CHIWEMBE STADIUM IN FINAL STAGES

Chiwembe Stadium in Blantyre could be ready for use in a month as major renovations are at an advanced stage with only the artificial turf remaining to be installed, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has assured.

It is expected that Chiwembe would offer teams in Blantyre venue options as only Kamuzu Stadium is in usable state with BAT and Escom grounds deteriorated. Blantyre teams spend more travelling to Balaka and Kalulu stadium in Chikwawa.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said in an interview yesterday that the laying down of the turf had delayed due to the uncertainty that gripped the country during the May 20 Tripartite Elections period.

“It should be ready to host games soon. It could have been ready by now, but they [contractors ACT Global] were waiting for the elections. What remains is the work that can take between 15 and 20 days. The major work, which involved laying drainage system, was done,” Nyirenda explained.

ACT Global, who erected the turf at Kamuzu Stadium, is also expected to do final touches on Chiwembe which, according to FAM facility supervision Jossam Namwela, should have been completed by last September. Fifa is funding the project.

“The clearing of the old surface finished two weeks ago and we are waiting for materials for the drainage system which we have, so the second phase commences on Monday July 29. We are moving according to schedule and by September we will have completed the project,” Namwela had told www.fam.mw last July.

Last year, FAM commercial manager Casper Jangale said Chiwembe Stadium would help the association earn more money.

He said all clubs and junior national teams would be able to use it as well.