MBC journo Fote accused of aiding Benin against Malawi
Journalist Peter Fote who works for state broadcaster Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) has been accused of offering Benin technical information on how they could beat Malawi.
Malawi national team assistant coach Jack Chamangwana said they had to change some tactics after they learnt one journalist has tipped Benin on some information on the Flames technical preparations.
“We learnt with shock that a citizen and sadly a journalist can work against his nation,” said Chamangwana. “We had to change some things.”
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda said Fote was summoned for a hearing last week.
Fote’s text purportedly meant to be sent to a Benin FA high-ranking official mistakenly went to Flames liaison officer James Sangala.
“Hie boss this is a journalist who travelled with the Malawi team and I just wanted to say may the Almighty God bless you abundantly for helping me. I will, in return, pay you by assisting you with information to beat Malawi at home. Let’s talk, I am ready to do anything for you boss,” reads part of the text.
FAM said Fote “did not dispute sending the text.”
Sports Writers Association of Malawi (Swam) secretary Chimwemwe Mwamadi said in a statement that his body is “following such an incident with utmost interest.”
During the hearing, Swam president Peter Kanjere attended as an observer.
