Mighty Wanderers and Silver Strikers on Saturday handed over 164 chairs that were allegedly damaged by their fans during their respective matches at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in 2023.
The replacement of the seats, which were bought in China, has cost the two teams about K4.3 million.
The seats were first damaged during an Airtel Top quarter-final between the two teams in September 2023 and Wanderers were found guilty of failing to control the acts of their fans.
However, the Nomads vehemently protested against the Football Association of Malawi’s (FAM) disciplinary body’s ruling, but their appeals were thrown out.
Three months later, a similar incident occurred during a match between Silver and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in which the Bankers’ fans were found guilty.
In an interview yesterday, stadium owners Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture said they are glad that the issue is now a closed chapter.
The ministry’s spokesperson Macmillan Mwale said: “We are glad that this issue has finally come to its logical conclusion and we thank the two clubs for cooperating with FAM who facilitated the procurement.
“Vandalism and theft at sports facilities is retrogressive and we condemn such acts in strongest terms.”
He warned that in future, culprits risk heavy punishment, including being banned from using the facilities.
“We also need to strengthen security in conjunction with our stakeholders to protect lives and property,” said Mwale.
Silver Strikers supporters committee chairperson King Malaya condemned the incidents.
“What happened was not good at all. This is our facility and we need to display ownership by ensuring its safety,” he said.
“When we lose, we have to accept defeat and lose with dignity and not resort to vandalism.”
On his part, Wanderers main supporters committee vice-chairperson Mark Chimwenje said the commitment to replace the seats “was not an admission of guilt”.
“It was about bringing closure and moving forward. Otherwise, we are the most disciplined team and my appeal to our fans is that let us continue to be disciplined,” he said.
Initially, the ministry estimated the damaged seats to cost K10 million.
