Ekwendeni FC stranded on Chizumulu Island

A football trip that started with a match has taken an unexpected turn for Ekwendeni FC, with the team now facing an uncertain wait on Chizumulu Island.

The 24-member team travelled to the island for a Chiwemi Northern Region Football League Division One fixture, but strong waves on Lake Malawi have disrupted its return journey.

Team coach Harold Phiri told the local media that the team travelled to Chizumulu aboard the Ilala on Monday and played its second match before the worsening lake conditions made it difficult to return.

Phiri said the delay has left the team struggling to find food after the money they had budgeted for the trip ran out.

The team is now relying on well-wishers on the island, who have been providing fish, flour, bathing soap and other basic necessities.

Phiri has appealed for urgent assistance from well-wishers to help the team survive until the lake conditions improve enough for them to travel back to Ekwendeni in Mzimba.

The team is also scheduled to face Chihame All Stars in Ekwendeni this coming Sunday, raising uncertainty over whether it will make it back in time for the fixture.