Blantyre derby grosses K4.3m

The Blantyre derby between Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday grossed K4.3 million (about $17 200).

The two teams, which earned about K850 000 (about $3 400), described the proceeds as encouraging.

Bullets general secretary Higger Mkandawire had, at the time of going to print, no readily available figures of the overall net and break down of how the money was shared among other stakeholders.

“There is an improvement in the gate takings and we thank our supporters for coming in large numbers. On our part, we must have spent close to K500 000 (about $2 000) preparing for the game since it was a high profile one,” said Mkandawire.

The game was hiked by about 400 percent to K500 (about $2) in the open terraces, the MBC Stand seat cost K1 000 (about $40), K2 000 (about $8) for Covered Stands with the VIP going at K5 000 (about $20).

But the fee for the open terraces eventually went down to K250 ($1) as people piled outside the stadium. On their part, Wanderers confirmed receiving K850 000 (about $3 400).

The two teams were initially supposed to get K679 000 (about $2 716) each, but the figure rose after scaling down on the payments for cashiers for the clubs’ benefit.

The charges vary depending on the profile of games but usually they are pegged at K100 ($0.04) for the ordinary seats, K500 (about $2) MBC Stand whereas Covered and VIP stands cost K1 000 ($4).

Revised charges are usually for international matches.

Meanwhile, FAM has announced that the two teams will square up again on July 14 in a game marking the launch of their Carlsberg Malawi Limited sponsorship.

FAM chief executive secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said events marking the cup sponsorship launch will start with a parade on July 13.

“Carlsberg will launch the clubs’ sponsorship and the national cup,” said Nyirenda.

After losing 2-1 to Wanderers in a TNM Super League thriller, Bullets coach Eddington Ng’onamo declared that his charges will be out for revenge on July 14 at Kamuzu Stadium.

The Nomads administration officer Richard Kambalame on Monday also confirmed that they got word from Carlsberg about the match.