Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) has called on the corporate world and individuals to construct infrastructure with the aim of helping in sports development across the country.
MNCS Board Chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise made the call when he visited Champion Stadium in Mponela, Dowa District, Sunday.
Madise said he was impressed with what he saw at the priovately-owned facility.
“The standards of this facility are worth emulating. Of course, government has a duty to build sports infrastructure but it cannot do everything alone. The demands are many but resources are few.
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“There is, therefore, a need to partner with the private sector including patriotic individuals like the owner of this facility. Private stadia are one way of complementing government’s efforts as well as providing social needs to local communities,’’ Madise said.
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He said there are several lessons that the sports fraternity needs to draw from Champion Stadium.
“I do not think that there are many facilities in Malawi that can match Champion Stadium. The facility has standards which others must emulate. It is something we must all learn from as far as managing public facilities is concerned,’’ Madise said.
Football legends Kinnah Phiri and Young Chimodzi were part of the trip.
Phiri is Deputy Director in the Ministry of Sports responsible for community sports while Chimodzi was on the tour in his capacity as Sports Council Board Member.
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Both were Malawi National Football Team superstars and top coaches both at national and club level.
MNCS acting Executive Director Shephord Boma also travelled to the Central Region district.
Phiri said he was also impressed with the facility.
“One person has built a good facility on his own. This is commendable. I am sure companies will support this great initiative,’’ he said.
Owner of the facility, King Kabvina, said he also has plans to construct netball, basketball and volleyball courts.
“I want to turn the facility into a sports complex so that all sporting codes can use it. After completing the stadium, I will focus on the other facility for basketball, netball and volleyball,’’ Kabvina said.
Meanwhile, construction works are still in progress at the facility, where stands have already been erected.
Once completed, Champion Stadium is expected to host some of the high-profile matches in the country’s football.
