The 2025 Blantyre derby between Mighty Wanderers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday did not only deliver a strong football show but broke the domestic gate revenue record, grossing K154,962,000.
However, both Wanderers and Bullets expressed concern over reduced capacity and counterfeit tickets, claiming the amount could have been more.
The current figure has surpassed the K116.4 million realised during the Airtel Top 8 final between Bullets and Silver Strikers at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe in November last year.
Additionally, the gross is almost double what was generated during the second-round match at the same venue.
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Last year, the match grossed K80.4 million.
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On Saturday, net collection was K133.7 million whereas K21.2 million was total expenses.
The two sides each pocketed K36.7 million as their 25.5 percent gate revenue share.
Ground levy was K33.4 million whereas Super League of Malawi (Sulom) got K13.3 million.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) and Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) pocketed K6.6 million.
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Meanwhile, both Wanderers and Bullets have expressed satisfaction with the gate revenue.
Wanderers Chief Executive Officer Panganeni Ndovi said the revenue was a true reflection of the crowd.
“This marks a historic milestone and underscores the fruits of our enhanced marketing strategies, effective coordination and strong partnerships— particularly with our counterparts at FCB Nyasa Big Bullets. The atmosphere was electric, the turnout commendable, and fans enjoyed a thrilling and well-managed event,” Ndovi said.
But Ndovi admitted that they encountered some challenges.
“A key limitation remains the restricted stadium capacity due to the closure of certain open stand sections, which affected our potential maximum turnout.
“Additionally, we continue to grapple with the issue of counterfeit tickets. Although concerning, we were able to identify and act swiftly on this matter before it could cause significant losses,” he said.
His Bullets counterpart Albert Chigoga shared the sentiments.
“We are very satisfied. It is attributed to effective gate management, vigorous match promotion and water-tight match day security,” he said.
But Chigoga said despite the gate revenue record, they also noted some challenges.
“There is an issue of counterfeit tickets which were discovered. This issue is being handled by the law enforcers. Otherwise, the manner in which match day operations were managed is top notch,” he said.
The entry fee charges were increased to K6,000 from K5.000 for advanced standard tickets.
A match day standard ticket was going at K8,000.
Sports analyst Parry Chinyama also expressed satisfaction with the gate revenue.
“This is partly due to the increase in gate entry charges. Secondly, the system that was implored was effective.
“However, you cannot rule out pilferage,” Chinyama said.
Wanderers defeated Bullets 1-0 courtesy of Blessings Mwalilino’s goal.
Despite the loss, Bullets are still on top of the 16-member log table with 18 points from seven matches, two points above Wanderers, who have a match in hand.
