Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has scheduled a final inspection exercise for all stadiums earmarked to host elite matches across the country ahead of the new season.
The final inspection exercise is scheduled to start next week.
Fam Competitions and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the inspection follows the preliminary exercise conducted in February.
“After the first exercise, the inspectors made some recommendations so this is the final exercise in readiness for the 2026 season. The inspection is to ensure that all facilities that were earmarked for elite competitions are in good conditions,” he said.
In Lilongwe, Fam is expected to inspect Bingu National Stadium (BNS), Silver Stadium, Civo Stadium and Nankhaka Stadium before checking Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, Chitipa Stadium, Mzuzu Stadium and Champion Stadium in Mponela, Dowa district among others.
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BNS Stadium Manager George Phiri said they were set for the final inspection.
“We are working around the clock to ensure that the facility is in good condition. We are happy that the stadium is now in good condition,” he said.
Phiri said the inspection was both for domestic and international matches.
“Fam already conducted its preliminary test and gave us recommendations. We have worked on some areas so that it continues hosting both domestic and international matches.
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“The good news is that we have done well for the past three years. Caf has not come here physically for inspection for three years. They are mostly satisfied with the reports which they get. It shows we are doing a good job as a country to keep the facility in shape,” Phiri said.
Every year, Caf conducts virtual and physical stadiums inspections in all countries in readiness for elite competitions.
BNS is expected to host the final 2026 Under-20 Fifa Women’s World Cup qualifiers between Malawi U-20 Women’s National Football Team, the Young Scorchers and Nigeria in May this year.
The facility is also expected to host Malawi National Football Team, the Flames 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers between September and November this year.
Apart from the Afcon qualifiers, the facility is also expected to host 2026 Caf Champions League qualifiers as Mighty Wanderers have expressed interest in taking part in the continental elite club competition.
Since 2022, BNS has been hosting several international matches.
Other countries including Ethiopia, Burundi, Kenya and Comoros used the facility as their home ground after their respective stadiums were deemed unfit to host international matches.
Currently, BNS is the only Caf and Fifa certified facility to host international matches in the country.
