In the absence of medical tests, some Super League players have on numerous occasions taken advantage to feature for their respective clubs with injuries, a development that puts their lives at risk, it has been learnt.
According to the local football setup, players do not go for a medical test before completing transfers, or even before playing a match, which is against the world football governing body,Fifa, requirements.
In most cases, local clubs sign players who have chronic injuries. Be Forward Wanderers signed Ishmael Thindwa from Caps United whereas Silver Strikers also signed Tizgobere Kumwenda, both players made no impact at their respective clubs last season.
With two months before the kick-off of the new season, clubs are also yet to register their players on the medical scheme which is being initiated by Super League of Malawi (Sulom).
Through the medical scheme, clubs would also have a chance to send their players for check-ups.
On the other hand, some players even fake injuries immediately after signing contracts.
One of the experienced local coaches, Stain Chirwa, revealed that he came across several cases when was a coach at TNM Super League giants Silver Strikers.
“It’s a tricky issue because players are given contracts without going for medical tests. Most of them work hard during the pre-season to negotiate for better deals but immediately after signing contracts they make several excuses,” Chirwa explained.
He further said that local clubs should find ways on how players would be assessed on their health and fitness before transfers.
Wanderers’ general secretary, Mike Butao, acknowledged that it would not be easy for local clubs to organise medical tests before concluding deals.
“That’s a national disease. Believe me it’s not easy in Malawi. Clubs abroad invest a lot of money in the insurance of players. The insurance is mostly overlooked in the country,” he said.
Former Nyasa Big Bullets forward, Andrew Chikhosi, admitted that during his playing days, he played with serious injuries on several occasions.
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