Super League of Malawi (Sulom) says there is need to review some expenses that are incurred during high-profile matches, especially security and hiring of chairs.
Sulom general secretary Williams Banda said this after an observer Kondwani Zulu raised questions on some expenses during Saturday’s TNM Super League Blantyre derby between Mighty Wanderers and FCB Nyasa Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium.
Among others, Zulu, in a Facebook post, questioned why there was a segmentation of security expenditure that led to payments ofK1.541 million being paid to police, K1.96 million towards “private security” and K425 000 “extra security”.
He also wondered why there was a K970 000 allocation towards catering.
In an interview yesterday, Banda acknowledged some gaps in expenditure.
On security, he said: “Despite having police and private security, we have noticed extra security. This area requires proper planning.”
He also called for the procurement of chairs to avoid prolonged hiring.
“Super League of Malawi and stadium owners should find a way to procure the chairs,” he said.
Wanderers, who were the home team, said as one of the key stakeholders, they had taken note of the concerns raised by Sulom.
The club’s brands and marketing manager Greyson Chapita said: “Those that directly affect us will be addressed accordingly, especially to do with marketing and organising games.
“We believe we are making solid progress, especially when you look at the gross revenue and overall improvements. It is a clear indication that we are moving in the right direction.
“On the issue of VIP chairs, Sulom has made a valid point. Procuring proper seats will not only reduce some of the recurring set-up costs, but also enhance the overall experience and comfort for our VIP fans.”
However, Chapita could not be drawn to comment on the justification on segmentation of security expenditure as the home team.
According to a quotation that The Nation has seen Vellous Caterings was hired to provide refreshments such as snacks, bottled water and transport at the VIP Stand.
It states that K890 000 was spent on 200 packs of snacks, costing K4 500 each, 200 bottled water costing K60 000 and transport was at K20 000.
On his part, Bullets acting chief executive officer Albert Chigoga said: “It is mainly involving Bullets that you hear such ideas popping up. We pull crowds.
“As rightly observed by Sulom, clubs need to be given a clean facility to host matches. Thus, it is a correct decision that Sulom and stadium owners should procure chairs.”
However, just like Chapita, Chigoga could not comment on the security arrangement.
Commenting on the need for the procurement of chairs, Ministry of Youth and Sports spokesperson Macmillan Mwale said: “We are aware of the situation and we are talking to them.
“But these are match day expenses and the stadium is hired the way it is. Let us also remember that the facility is old, that is why the focus is on completing Soche Stadium.
“Such issues only arise during high-profile matches. It has to be considered that we also host some games at huge losses.
“In some games we get as low as K50 000 which is not enough for operational costs such as utility bills and cleaning materials.”
