The Hockey Stadium, which is being constructed along the Masauko Chipembere Highway in Blantyre, will have artificial turf.
The turf, which has a lifespan of between nine and 12 years, costs approximately K323 million (750 000 dollars). With the facility in place, Malawi will be able to host AfHF sanctioned competitions.
Africa Hockey Federation (AfHF) president Seif Ahmed said this upon arrival at Chileka Airport on Wednesday for a five-day visit.
He said although the Five Sand Base Astroturf would be smaller than the standard one, it will be worthwhile for hockey development.
“Without an artificial turf, Malawi cannot competitively and fairly contest on the international stage. This is why we want this facility to be in Malawi by early next year,” he said.
“I would also like to discuss with Hockey Association of Malawi [HAM] about the progress the continent has made so far, as they prepare to attend the AfHF congress in Egypt this October, considering that Malawi had not attended the last three meetings,” said Ahmed.
HAM president Tochi Gill, who was accompanied by his deputy Dean Pinto, general secretary Wanthaza Mughogho, executive members Chigo Thindwa and Mustapha Munshi alongside coach Geofrey Biya at the airport, said they are happy with the AfHF’s gesture.
