The Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture says Bingu National Stadium (BNS) will be ready to host matches within the next three weeks, following concerns raised after the venue hosted a musical concert last week.
Bingu National Stadium hosted Duncan Zgambo’s ‘Landlord Pakwawo’ concert, an event that sparked fears over whether the pitch would meet the standard required for Caf to certify the venue fit to host international matches.
However, Caf has since handed Bingu National Stadium management a provisional certificate, allowing the venue to continue hosting international matches while restoration works are being completed.
Ministry of Sports, Youths and Culture spokesperson Macmillan Mwale said management was working tirelessly to ensure the venue is ready in time for Caf fixtures, which are scheduled for September.
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“We have prioritised the playing surface of the main pitch, which was mainly affected by the event. The restoration works are going on very well as planned.
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By the third week, we should be able to see the desired changes. “We are watering [the pitch] constantly and also applying fertiliser where necessary. With the upcoming Caf-sanctioned matches, we realise the importance of putting everything in order, ready to host [matches],” he said.
Mighty Wanderers Director of Football David Kanyenda said it would be in the club’s best interest for management to complete the rehabilitation work on schedule, given what is at stake for the Nomads’ continental campaign.
“We hope they will complete the pitch rehabilitation exercise timely in order for us to fulfil the first-leg [match assignment] on home soil. It is imperative that Malawians watch and cheer us at Bingu [National Stadium], where we intend to maximise home ground advantage,” Kanyenda said.
The stadium is set to host the Caf Champions League preliminary round first-leg match between Wanderers and Tanzania’s Simba Sporting Club, before also hosting the Malawi National Team’s 2027
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Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan.
