Stadia names queried

The Parliamentary Committee on Social and Community Affairs has asked the Ministry of Youth and Sports not to change names of the stadia government is constructing in Soche and Zingwangwa townships in Blantyre.

The stadiums, initially meant for local football giants Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and FCB Nyasa Bullets, respectively have lately been referred to as Soche and Zingwangwa stadiums.

In an interview, the committee’s chairperson Savel Kafwafwa said changing the names would be departing from the initial objective.

He said: “When we met the ministry [during a cluster meeting], we strongly advised them to maintain the initial names for the sake of branding and continuation.

“We have  asked them to revert to the initial branding names to avoid creating unnecessary confusion.

“It does not mean that maintaining the two teams’ names will change the fact that these are government facilities. They will only be using them.

“After all, Silver and Civo stadiums are named after Silver Strikers and Civo United, respectively, but they are government facilities, so it should not be an issue.”

Both Bullets and Wanderers have since hailed the committee for its proposal.

Nomads board secretary Chancy Gondwe said it is essential to respect the initial objectives behind naming the stadiums after the clubs.

He said: “It is also crucial to ensure that the names accurately reflect the ownership and sponsorship arrangements of these facilities. Clear communication and transparency are key to preventing confusion and fostering understanding among stakeholders and the public.

“If changing the names of the stadiums is seen as departing from the original intent and potentially causing confusion, which was the case here, it may be necessary to explore alternative solutions that address these concerns while still honouring the clubs and maintaining transparency.”

Gondwe said there is need to provide additional information about the ownership structure of the stadiums and the relationships between the clubs and the facilities to ensure that the public is well-informed.

He said: “Ultimately, finding a balanced approach that respects the history and objectives behind the stadium names while also promoting clarity and transparency is crucial.

“Collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the clubs and relevant stakeholders will be essential in navigating this issue and reaching a solution that satisfies all parties involved.

“All in all, we welcome the decision not to change names as doing so would be departing from the initial objective.”

On the other hand, Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said: “The proposal by the parliamentary committee  makes sense. The construction of these stadiums was triggered by government’s gesture to the two clubs.”

Ministry of Youth and Sports spokesperson MacMillan Mwale confirmed the directive, but said: “Our focus for now is completing the projects. As for the names, we will get there when we cross the bridge.”

A fortnight ago, the ministry justified the name changes, saying it was because of their georgraphical locations.

Said Mwale then: “It is for the simple reason that they are public facilities. On the other hand, it is about associating them with their locations.”

Immediate-past president Peter Mutharika pledged that government would construct the two stadia  during the 2019 Tripartite Elections campaign period.