Blantyre derby grosses K39.8m
The latest episode of the Blantyre derby between age-old rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers played on Sunday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, grossed almost K30 million less than what was raised in the previous match.
The revenue sheet shows that the Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup semi-final, which the People’s Team won 4-2 on post-match penalties, grossed about K39.89 million which was far less than the K67.7 million that was raised in the second round match of the TNM Super League in November.
From the gross, the two teams and ground owners each got K7.748 million while Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and Malawi National Council of Sports received K6.199 million and K1.549 million, respectively.
Commenting on the yawning gap, Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said the gross was far less than what they anticipated.
He said: “We expected a substantial revenue considering a number of factors such as the festive holidays, early salary payments for most football lovers and the nature of the derby itself.
“However, the uncertainty surrounding the fixture also had a bearing on the revenue generation as the match was only confirmed within the week.”
On his part, Wanderers chief executive officer Roosevelt Mpinganjira said the revenue was not bad considering other factors.
“I guess the rains contributed as well as the confirmation of the fixture,” he said.
On the other hand, FAM commercial and marketing director Limbani Matola also attributed the low revenue to the wet weather.
He said: “The rains affected patronage. And we understand a good number of our fans were also preoccupied with Christmas festivities in their places of worship.
“It is also a fact that generally, due to tough economic situation, most of the spectators are experiencing dwindling disposable income and, are therefore, becoming more cautious and sensitive in their expenditure.
“Overall, the amount realised fairly reflects the patronage. Nevertheless, we thank the fans for maintaining peace throughout the match. The Blantyre derby is always a tense and highly emotive encounter, but no incidences or acts of hooliganism were recorded.
“Finally, congratulations should go to FCB Nyasa Bullets and we wish the football family a Merry Christmas and happy new year.”
The other semi-final fixture between Bangwe All Stars and Silver Strikers played at the same venue on Saturday grossed K3. 681 million and the two teams as well as the ground owners each took home K447 772.
The Central Bankers won 0-2 and will face Bullets in the final this Saturday.
