Continued damage of Kamuzu Stadium could render it unusable—manager

Kamuzu Stadium manager Charles Mhango has said continued damage could worsen the condition of the already ailing facility, a situation that could render it unusable.

Mhango raised the alarm at Chiwembe Technical Centre yesterday when Football Association of Malawi (FAM) announced the reopening of the stadium for Super League and cup games after stakeholders signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at curbing violence.

“The stadium might be opened today, but of major concern is that it is already in a dilapidated state and continued damages coming as a result of the violence acts could render it unusable,” said Mhango.

He also appealed to the soccer fraternity to develop a sense of ownership and play a part in ensuring the stadium’s safety.

“In fact, even before a game is staged, there is need to replace slabs that were damaged at the open stands to cover the open drains which could be a danger to spectators,” he said.

Mhango said the total cost of the damage that occurred during the league game between Evirom and Moyale came to K236 000, which was submitted to Sulom and FAM.

Sulom treasurer Tiya Somba-Banda, who is acting as general secretary, assured that the slabs would be replaced this morning ahead of the league game between Big Bullets and Blue Eagles scheduled for this afternoon.

FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda appealed to all the stakeholders to adhere to the 15-point MoU.

“We need to work together to curb violence; otherwise, the situation as regards current and potential sponsors is scary.

“Already, we are in the dark on whether Carlsberg Malawi Limited will continue with the sponsorship and Standard Bank has issued a stern warning to the effect that any pockets of violence could lead to sponsorship withdrawal, so we need to be careful,” he said.

On the reopening of the stadium, Nyirenda said: “Since clubs and stakeholders have shown commitment to uproot violence and hooliganism, on behalf of FAM and Sulom, I would like to announce the lifting of the suspension and the stadium is now open.”

However, the signing ceremony was not straightforward as three teams—Kamuzu Barracks, Mighty Wanderers and Big Bullets—were reluctant to put pen to paper due to various concerns.

KB representative, who was only identified as Lieutenant C. Banda,  said they had issues with point 3 of the MoU which said military teams should publicly apologise for their past violent actions which were identified as  the principal cause of violence.

The ceremony was put on hold for about five minutes to allow Banda to consult his superiors, who gave him the go-ahead to sign.

Wanderers executive committee member Coxley Kamange said he could not sign the document unless Sulom lifted their ban on the use of the stadium.

“If we are starting a new chapter, then it is only proper that our stadium ban should be lifted,” said Kamange.

However, FAM advised them to take up the issue with Sulom in writing.

Bullets general secretary Higger Mkandawire said there were other elements that FAM left out such as match officials and journalists whom he argued also incite violence. But, he later agreed to sign after Nyirenda explained that all the issues were contained in the document.

Some of the critical issues contained in the document are that military teams should  observe and follow laid-down player transfer procedures, stewards should incorporate top club supporters to assist in curbing violence, supporters should embark on sensitisation campaigns on dangers of violence through meetings and the media.

The document also states that teams playing away should be allowed to get the feel of the match venue for an hour—from 2.30pm to 3.30pm—a day prior to the game; clubs must take responsibility in controlling the behaviour of their supporters on and off the field and that supporters should sit at designated areas.