No need to build stadium, says Bullets CEO

Nyasa Big Bullets chief executive officer (CEO) Escort Chinula says they see no reason to build a stadium when government already made a commitment to build one for the club.

The People’s Team boss said this in an interview with Times Radio on Thursday in the wake of main supporters committee secretary Mabvuto Chibambo’s sentiment that the club’s owners—Nyasa Manufacturing Company (NMC)—should build a stadium as it is now evident that they will not own the stadium which government plans to build for them.

Building a stadium is one of the takeover conditions contained in the memorandum of understanding (MoU) which the cigarette manufacturer signed with Bullets’ takeover steering council three years ago.

Said Chinula: “The president of the board [of directors] told us that when they met about two months ago, it was resolved that it will not be necessary to have another stadium.

“Unless other challenges come up, building a stadium is out of question.

“Government promised to build us a stadium and it is fulfilling that pledge. The contractors are on the ground and works are going on, the future looks bright.”

He said the team’s supporters and players should have trust and belief about the stadium.

However, this is in contrast with what the club’s director responsible for marketing Noel Lipipa, who is also chairperson of the takeover steering council that they will consult the team’s supporters on the issue.

Minister of Youth and Sports Ulemu Msungama also said although the stadia for Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers will be built, he cannot guarantee that the two teams will own the facilities.

On Wednesday, Chibambo said: “What is coming out very clearly is that the stadium will be government property under Malawi National council of Sports.

“This means that as per government regulations, 25 percent stadium levy will still have to be paid to government for every match.

“We cannot run away from that fact and, as such, the current owners must still build the stadium.”

He said at the time of signing the MoU, they made a commitment to ensure that all the terms will have to be fulfilled.

But while concurring with Chibambo, Bullets supporters committee chairperson Stone Mwamadi, who doubles as director responsible for supporters in the team’s board, said the issue would be discussed at board level.