New budget allocation to the construction works of two Blantyre stadiums has given stakeholders renewed hope after the projects stalled.
Out of the two the K7.2 billion that has been allocated to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, government has assigned the lion’s share of K2.5 billion to the construction of Soche and Zingwangwa Stadiums that were initially given to Mighty Wanderers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets respectively.
This is against the background that the two facilities need over K10 billion to be completed.
Wanderers Chief Executive Officer Panganeni Ndovi said it was certainly commendable to see that the future of the stadiums was beginning to take shape again after construction works had stalled for several years.
“The government’s renewed commitment to resume the works is very encouraging, especially considering the serious shortage of football infrastructure in Malawi. Facilities such as Soche and Zingwangwa Stadiums are extremely important not only for clubs like Wanderers and Bullets, but also for the development of the game in the country.
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“Football in Malawi needs modern and functional venues if we are to improve matchday experience, generate commercial revenue, and support the growth of the sport,” he said.
However, Ndovi also said it was important to recognize that the financial requirements for completing these stadiums were substantial.
“While the allocation of K2.5 billion is a positive step, the estimated cost of around K10 billion means that consistent and sustained funding will be required to see the projects through to completion,” he said.
Sports analyst George Kaudza- Masina said the allocations gave hope for the continuation of the projects.
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“Currently, these are estimates and the figures might go up if the responsible people lobby. For now, it is good news that they will get allocations,” he said.
Last year, the cost for Soche Stadium meant for Wanderers was estimated at K5 billion.
Initially, the stadium cost was at K3.6 billion whereas the cost of Bullets Stadium in Zingwangwa was estimated at K3.8 billion.
The two projects started in 2019 but work stalled in 2020 due to lack of funds.
