Poor Pay Forces Super League Players to Flock to Social Football

Wa Mpira can reveal that a number of Super League players are flocking to international social football as they are able to earn more money in one game compared to what they receive from their respective teams.

There have been increasing reports that players are constantly traveling to Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique, where community teams feature them in games that offer instant payment after matches.

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In the latest development, Mzuzu City Hammers players James Gwayi and Jollen Kanyinji have been named in the matchday squad of Zambian side Simbi Yamoto FC for their clash against Silver Celtic in the FAZ Division 2 League on Sunday.

This comes as the two remain registered and affiliated to last year’s top-four side. An insider from the team has confirmed that such reports have circulated for quite some time but lacked evidence.

“I have also been trying to call him [Gwayi] but his phone cannot be reached. I have been trying to find out about this, and this is evidence which the two cannot deny,” said the Hammers insider.

The list also includes Given Mwandira, formerly of Songwe Border United and Mzuzu City Hammers.

The insider also said the team knows nothing about the duo’s involvement in the Zambian match and that no clearance or transfer procedures have been completed between the two clubs.

In a related development, Wongani Kamanga, who was on the books of Songwe Border United in the first round, was voted fans’ player of the match for Lundazi United in their local football match in Zambia.

Kamanga reacted harshly to the reports, commenting on a Facebook post in Tumbuka: “Iwe ukhumba titimbenge bola la sima? This is only way tikusangila ndalama so bola tikutimbila masuzgo tiovwile uko uko tikufuma so leka kuwa nget ndiwe wakuchenjera what we need is money.”

This translates to: “You want us to be playing football for free? This is the only way we make money. We play football because of problems, so help us. Stop being clever. What we need is money.”

Sports commentator Justin Mitambo described the situation as concerning, particularly regarding injury risks.

“If you are playing in the Super League, you have to behave professionally. These players need to be punished for this because once they are injured, it is the team that suffers and spends more on them,” Mitambo commented.

He has further called on the Football Association of Malawi to intervene, as some of these clubs are league sides in Zambia, which requires communication with the Zambian football association and other countries.

Meanwhile, their respective clubs have confirmed with this publication that they are making follow-up and that they will act swiftly on the matter.

Players have previously fallen victim to social football injuries. Clement Nyondo was hospitalized after getting injured during a social game while playing for Karonga United in 2021. Uchizi Vunga was also suspended by Silver Strikers last year for his involvement in social games.

Super League of Malawi /SULOM) said the mandate of controlling the players is in the hands of the teams not them as a league governing body.