Mutharika pledges to construct stadium in Blantyre

Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) acting president Peter Mutharika has pledged to construct a new state-of-the-art stadium in Blantyre should he win Malawi’s 2014 presidential race.

Mutharika made the pledge at a rally he addressed at Njamba Freedom Park in the commercial city, Blantyre, on Sunday.

“When we get back into government in 2014, we will construct a 50 000 capacity state-of-the-art stadium here in Blantyre,” said Mutharika amid wild applause from the turnout.

Mutharika claimed it was he, alongside his late brother Bingu, who negotiated with the Chinese government for the construction of the stadium to be built in Lilongwe.

“Initially, the stadium was supposed to be built in Blantyre, but a certain minister presented a bill that it should be built in Lilongwe,” said Mutharika.

Recently, Youth and Sports Minister Enoch Chihana claimed talks were underway with the Chinese government to construct another stadium in Blantyre.

Currently, Blantyre football teams travel outside the city for their games as there is no suitable ground following the closure of Kamuzu Stadium by government on recommendation from experts.