Nomads executive member Elea Mbale Sikwese has accused Nomads chairperson Rashid Rashy Gaffar of  dictatorial tendencies that have led to low patronage and membership at the once flamboyant Wanderers  Club.

Sikwese was suspended from Wanderers Club on Saturday and later arrested at Blantyre Police after a heated quarrel with Rashy.

However Rashy and club secretary Patrick Jumbe have defended the decision to suspend Sikwese saying he had misbehaved and subsequently violated the club's code of conduct.

Sikwese explained that he was suspended because he spoke against dictatorial tendencies occasioned by Rashy who wanted to be worshipped by everyone and did not want to be criticised.

"I asked why he was insulting Tumbukas when he disagreed with one person who is a Tumbuka but he kept on saying 'a Tumbuka's inu mukufuna chani' so I told him that if he had differences with one person he should not insult others. It is unfortunate that some of us are being insulted for our allegiance to the team and for demanding dignity.

"I believe as a member of the club and executive member of the football team I deserve some respect and not to be treated like a little child or be insulted because I am Tumbuka. Rashy should learn to speak to others without being boastful and demeaning others otherwise the club house will continue to lose patronage, "he  said.

Another member Munguyi said his concern was that he had been suspended without being given a chance to  speak.

"I have no problem with the chairperson because I have no differences with him but I quarrelled with Lance Van Guilder but to my surprise I was not given the right of reply. Under rules of natural justice an accused  person is supposed to be given a chance to give his side of the story but in this case this did not happen.  I just received the suspension letter which is not good because it makes some of us feel like we don't belong  here," he said.

However, when interviewed Rashy said Sikwese was suspended because of violent conduct which he said left  every member present at the club very disappointed.

"The truth of the matter is that Sikwese brought army officers here at the club and intimidated everyone  as a result we reported the matter to the Police who are currently handling the matter. You can ask everyone who  was present and they will corroborate this version of events leading to his suspension.

"I am not the one who suspended him but a disciplinary committee and you can also verify this. Sikwese is  my friend and I am surprised that he decided to take this matter to the press. Some of us have done a lot for  the club house and the football team but we don't go about boasting about it," he said.

Club secretary Patrick Jumbe also said Sikwese was suspended on disciplinary grounds.

"Every institution has got its own rules and regulations and in this case the disciplinary committee felt Sikwese  had broken the code of conduct that is why he was suspended so that we can resolve the matter.  

"A suspension does not mean that he is banned. He can appeal against the decision and give his side of the story to  the disciplinary meeting if he feels hard done. We appreciate whatever help he gives to the football club and that is  why he is in the executive committee of the football team. However this does not give him a right to misbehave. The club expects its members to conduct themselves in an honourable and decent manner," he said.

Although there is disquiet in the club house, on the pitch results have improved for the Nomads who recently won the Standard Bank Cup and are through to last 16 of the Carlsberg Cup.

Rashy said he was happy with the way the team is progressing and would do everything possible to make sure the  team is motivated to win the cup so that they can secure sponsorship.