Blantyre derby to spice Independence Day celebrations
By Williams Gondwa:
The country’s football power houses, Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers, are set to battle on Independence Day celebrations at Kamuzu Stadium.
The Blantyre derby will headline the celebrations, which mark the 55th year of Malawi’s independence.
Bullets administrator, Albert Chigoga, said they were approached by Football Association of Malawi (Fam) to play their arch-rivals Wanderers.
“We are happy that, out of the many teams in Malawi, Bullets have been considered to play on this historic day. We will give out our best to ensure that our supporters celebrate on the day,” Chigoga said.
He, however, did not disclose the terms and conditions of the request made by the government through Fam.
“All I can say is that this is a great day. I will not state what we have agreed with the government as regards this match. What matters most is that were approached and we accepted to join the nation in celebrating our independence,” Chigoga said.
Wanderers Chairperson, Gift Mkandawire, said it was an honour to feature in an Independence Match.
“We cannot turn down the offer. We will be there to spice up the country’s independence celebrations,” Mkandawire said.
Malawi National Council of Sports acting Executive Secretary, Henry Mereka, said sports was included on the list of activities for the day because of its unifying effect.
“Sports brings people of all walks of life together. This is a national event which requires the participation of everyone. We, therefore, believe that the two teams will play their role in bringing people of different persuasions together to celebrate our independence,” he said.
The giants’ encounter will be curtain-raised by a women’s football match involving Lilongwe-based DD Sunshine and Ntopwa Super Queens of Blantyre.
During last year’s event, Wanderers beat Moyale 1-0 at Mzuzu Stadium.
In recent years, the government has been organising matches between local clubs to add colour and pomp to the ceremony.
Previously, the government would invite foreign national football and netball teams to play against the Flames and the Queens during this important event.
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