Malawi football legend Esau Kanyenda has strongly condemned the humiliating treatment of a football fan during a Super League match at Dedza Stadium, calling on the Super League of Malawi (SULOM) to urgently investigate the matter and take disciplinary action.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Kanyenda expressed shock and disappointment over the incident, which saw a Lilongwe-based supporter of Mzuzu City Hammers allegedly stripped of his pants by Dedza Dynamos officials. The fan was reportedly accused of being a “JUJU man” a term often associated with superstition in football.
“An innocent Lilongwe-based Mzuzu City Hammers supporter met one of the most shameful days of his life as his pants were stripped off by Dedza Dynamos officials for being suspected as a Hammers JUJU man at Dedza Stadium yesterday,” wrote Kanyenda.
He questioned why such humiliation was allowed to happen, especially when the same Dedza Dynamos team had recently secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Creck Sporting Club at Champions Stadium in Dowa, without any such incidents.
“Why shame an innocent person who runs a Kabaza business at Pama Tank in Lilongwe?” Kanyenda asked. “What would you feel if this was one of your supporters facing such embarrassment?”
The former Flames striker also raised concerns that the incident allegedly occurred in the presence of law enforcement officers, yet no action was taken to stop the abuse.
“Why dent the image of our beautiful game when the FA President Fleetwood Haiya is trying his level best to transform the game?” he added.
Kanyenda concluded his statement by urging SULOM to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves and ensure that those responsible face consequences.
“SULOM should investigate this matter and punish those involved,” he stated.
The incident has since sparked outrage among football fans and stakeholders who are demanding accountability and professionalism in the management of local football.
SULOM and Dedza Dynamos officials are yet to release an official comment.
