The much anticipated Lilongwe Derby between Civil Service United and Silver Strikers returns at Civo Stadium this afternoon after Football Association of Malawi (Fam) declared the facility fit to host matches.
This comes after Fam delegation led by Club Licencing Manager Casper Jangale inspected the venue on Wednesday, almost six weeks since Fam stopped the facility from hosting elite matches as it fell short of meeting club licencing requirements.
“The management of the ground has done tremendous renovations of the facility especially on the hygiene part.
“It is true that Civo is now fit to host elite matches. The main problem was at the toilets and I can confirm that all the toilets are operating. They have also fixed the wire that separates the pitch and the terraces. So these were the main things that were lacking at the stadium but now we have given a green light to host matches,” Jangale said.
Civil Stadium Manager Christopher Longwe did not disclose the amount of money spent on the renovations but said management was happy that the venue had met club licencing requirements.
Longwe urged spectators to take full responsibility in taking care of the facility so that matches are being staged at the stadium.
“We did our best to renovate the stadium and we are still ensuring that the stadium should be in good condition. We are hopeful that the team will be doing better, especially home matches,” Longwe said.
Meanwhile, Civil caretaker coach Abbas Makawa said playing matches at home will enhance their chances of doing well in the league.
Makawa said facing Silver will not be an easy task but they want to return home with a win.
“It is a must win game for us and we will make sure to collect maximum points. We just want to appeal to the referees to do their job in a professional way,” Makawa said.
Civil are in the relegation zone on position 14 with 25 points from 22 matches.
On the other hand, Silver will be eyeing to move to position three if they beat Civil.
Fourth-placed Silver will dislodge Chitipa United on goal aggregate as the Bankers have 36 points while Chitipa are third with 39 points.
Silver assistant coach Peter Mgangira said a trip to Area nine from 47 will be meaningful if they grab maximum points.
“It is to do with winning games for us to remain title contenders but we are ready for the showdown. I know Civil are on the verge of saying goodbye to the league and they will come hard on us so that they should escape. We will have a good game,” Mgangira said.
In other matches, Chitipa will host Red Lions this afternoon whereas Mighty Mukuru Wanderers will take on Extreme FC.
