FAM adamant on Mzuzu Stadium

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) insists that Mzuzu Stadium will continue hosting competitive games despite concerns raised by clubs and other stakeholders about its poor state.

Almost all teams that have played at the stadium this season have complained about the condition of the pitch, saying apart from being an injury risk to players, they also struggle to execute their game plans to perfection.

The stadium is the home ground  for Ekwendeni Hammers FC and Moyale Barracks FC.

Silver Strikers coach Pieter De Jhong made his position plain by declaring that the pitch is in such a sorry state that it is not even fit to be a playground for his dogs.

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers coach Mark Harrison, captain Alfred Manyozo Jnr and Moyale Barracks FC coach Nicholas Mhango have also spoken strongly against the state of the pitch, saying it is unplayable.

Harrison also had no kind words for the facility in general.

He said: “The stadium is not in good shape, the field is unplayable. If you want to play good football, it’s not happening on that field. You cannot pass the ball. You can only play direct football. It’s not just conducive.

“It’s that bumpy and the ball is bounces in all directions and it’s a big risk for players in terms of injuries and then the security after matches is horrible you have fans flocking on the pitch, security is just zero.

“The dressing rooms, toilets and shower rooms are filthy, you can probably get cholera there. So, I think that needs to be looked into.”

After their recent Super League match against Moyale, Manyozo said: “We did not play football today, we were just pushing the ball forward. How can you play on a pitch that is bumpy, bare and full of potholes?”

Towards the end of last season, Malawi National Council of Sports urged the facility’s owners, Mzuzu City Council, to consider renovating the entire facility.

Sports Council board Chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise d wondered why the venue is still hosting competitive games in its current poor state.

He said: “I am surprised that teams are playing at Mzuzu Stadium. Last time we had the Mzuzu Marathon, it was clear the pitch was in an unplayable state.

“I would not schedule any matches on that pitch. It needs to be extensively worked on.”

But in an interview, FAM club licensing and compliance manager Casper Jangale, insisted that they will continue fixing games at the facility while engaging its owners.

He said: “Inspection is a process that is done by designated inspectors.

“Inspectors follow set guidelines by FAM as per CAF standards.

“CAF inspection looks at a number of issues not only the pitch. These include substitute benches or chairs available, teams and referees’ dressing rooms, FAM office, medical and first aid room, stands and spectator areas, toilets, public access [entry gates] and venue operational centres.

“It should also be noted that inspection is done before the beginning of the season, during rainy season when the pitches are always green and well attended to.

“Having said that, we will continue to have games at the facility as we engage venue owners.”

Football Players Association of Malawi has since threatened to instruct its members to boycott games at Mzuzu Stadium if FAM does not suspend the venue.

He said: “Sulom denied us permission to be part of venue inspection team prior to the league kick off. We know that there were issues to do with risks of the players.

“What we are saying is that they should prioritise safety of players,” he said.

Reacting to the concerns, stadium owners Mzuzu City Council spokesperson McDonald Gondwe said they have taken a swift stand to work on the challenges, including the condition of the pitch.

He said: “We have started working on the basics like watering. Other interventions will follow to ensure that the playing field is in good condition. We understand the challenges.

“We have also noted the concerns from our partners regarding the condition of the stadium, but it should be appreciated that some of the measures may need some time and enough resources, but we have devoted our team to rework on the obvious shortfalls,” he said.