The Blantyre derby between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers at a jam-packed Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday grossed K80,496,000 in gate revenue.
This is the highest gross between clubs in domestic football.
The gross has surpassed the K67.7 million (m) which was realised during a similar match in the second round last year.
The derby in the first round last year grossed K56.4m at the same venue.
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Details indicate that K43.6m was realised on match day whereas K33.6m was realised through ticket pre-sales. Net collection was K67. 5m.
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Bullets and Wanderers each pocketed K16.8m as part of their 25 percent cut.
Ground levy was K16.8m whereas the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) got K6.7m as its 10 percent cut.
According to the gate revenue sheet, Football Association of Malawi (Fam) got K6.7m as 10 percent cut. However, the association is still getting its share from league matches while waiting for an amendment of statutes.
In an interview Sunday, Bullets Chief Administration Officer Albert Chigoga said the revenue was a true reflection of the huge crowd that turned up for the match.
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“If the gate revenue being collected this season is anything to go by, it means football-loving people have started to patronise football matches regardless of gate charges. We, as clubs, simply need to safeguard these gains by ensuring that there is always entertainment at football venues,’’ Chigoga said.
Taking his turn, Wanderers Chief Executive Officer Panganeni Ndovi also expressed satisfaction with the gate revenue.
“The revenue could be attributed to the change in gate fee but the numbers of people attending the matches are quite motivating,’’ Ndovi said.
Sports analyst Parry Chinyama said the record revenue could be attributed to the rise in gate charges and stringent measures by the host team.
“Looking at the crowd that witnessed the game, it is only fair to say K80 million is a true reflection,’’ Chinyama said.
For the fourth consecutive match, the Blantyre derby produced no winner as it ended 1-1 after Isaac Kaliati scored for Wanderers and Patrick Mwaungulu did so for Bullets.
