By Mphatso Malidadi & Mabvuto Kambuwe:
The uncertainty surrounding the start of the FDH Bank Premiership official opening match took another twist with Mighty Wanderers insisting that the game against Karonga United is still on at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre this afternoon.
This follows a standoff over the status of Kamuzu Stadium after Football Association of Malawi (Fam) insisted that the facility remains unfit to host elite league matches due to poor sanitation.
In a statement released Friday, Fam ordered Super League of Malawi (Sulom) and Mighty Wanderers to find an alternative venue for the FDH Bank Premiership official launch match against Karonga.
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Fam says failure to comply with the directive shall result in disciplinary action.
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“Fam emphasises that no matches will be authorised at the Stadium until a comprehensive inspection is completed and formal determination is made on its compliance status in line with Club Licencing requirements,” the statement reads.
However, Wanderers has said the match will still take place at Kamuzu Stadium as per Sulom fixture.
“The game is on and we are calling on our fans to come out in large numbers at Kamuzu Stadium, as sanctioned by Sulom,” reads the statement signed by Wanderers’ Board Secretary Chancy Gondwe.
The club questioned Fam’s conduct over the matter saying the national football body’s actions might damage the reputation of the game.
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“But we are worried about Fam’s behavior, which seems to be undermining football development in Malawi. With FDH Bank’s substantial investment, we believe it is time to celebrate the league’s launch in style, especially with the defending champions.
“Now, if Fam decides to switch venues, who is going to foot the bill for supporters who have already bought tickets and traveled from all over, expecting to watch the game at Kamuzu Stadium? It is time for Fam to think outside the box and do a proper cost-benefit analysis, rather than just looking out for their own interests,” reads Wanderers’ statement.
Meanwhile, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Alfred Gangata toured the facility yesterday.
Spokesperson for the Ministry Macmillan Mwale said Kamuzu Stadium management was still working on the shortfalls.
“It is still a work in progress. We are working on the shortcomings which Fam identified,” he said.
He could not disclose when the facility would be ready to host matches.
Despite the impasse, anticipation has filled the football fraternity as the FDH Bank Premiership gets underway this afternoon—marking the beginning of new era in domestic football.
The stakes are high this season after FDH Bank plc invested K5 billion into the league for a period of five years-translating to K1 billion per season.
At stake is K200 million for the champions. It is a race that requires great character, endurance and perseverance.
Last year’s runners-up FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have a tricky clash against Civil Service United at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Up north, Moyale Barracks will host Goshen City Dedza Dynamos at Rumphi Stadium.
