Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has disclosed that this year’s Airtel Top 8 semifinals and final will be played at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe next month.
Fam Competitions and Marketing Committee using its powers as stipulated in the rules and regulations of the competition announced the details Monday.
In the first semifinal, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers will host Silver Strikers at BNS in a game scheduled to start at 6pm (18 hours) on Saturday, November 2.
The last semifinal will be played on Sunday, November 3 when holders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets date Kamuzu Barracks in a match slated to kick off at 3pm.
Winners from the two semifinals will clash in the final at the same venue on Saturday November 9.
Initially, the semifinals were scheduled for the weekend of October 26 and 27, with the final.
Fam Competitions and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the committee exercised its powers to select the venue and set the dates.
“There is nothing strange here. Normally, the committee uses its mandate to set fixtures,” Zakazaka said.
Silver Chief Executive Officer Patrick Chimimba said they are inquiring from Fam on the kickoff time.
“We are in the process of inquiring from Fam on the same. Until then, we will not be able to comment,” Chimimba said.
However, Bullets acting Chief Executive Officer Albert Chigoga welcomed the arrangement but with reservations.
“We are fine with it though one would have expected a sufficient break between semis and the final to enable the finalists to prepare well. I guess the calendar is very crammed hence the decision,” Chigoga said.
Wanderers reached the semifinals after overcoming Bangwe All Stars whereas Silver swept Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos.
Bullets booted out Civil Service United while Kamuzu Barracks defeated Chitipa United.
