Kamuzu Stadium to host international matches
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has disclosed that Kamuzu Stadium will still host international games despite being condemned by Confederation of African Football (Caf).
Under new Caf regulations, the country’s soccer mecca is not fit to host matches as it lacks chairs on terraces.
Fam General Secretary Alfred Gunda said the stadium was still in Caf’s books to host Malawi National Football Team’s matches; as such, the association and other stakeholders would strive to make the venue user-friendly.
“It is the only available facility to host Flames matches according to Caf books. We met everything Caf wanted by ensuring that dressing rooms and the playing surface are in good condition in which we did,” he said.
Gunda did not rule out shifting Flames’ forthcoming World Cup qualifying games to Bingu National Stadium, which equally needs facelifting.
“We will be checking Bingu Stadium to request Caf to inspect the facility,” he said.
Football analyst George Kaudza Masina has questioned Fam by sticking to Kamuzu Stadium.
“Much as Fam’s argument might be justifiable, in all honesty, Kamuzu Stadium is not fit to host international matches. Spectators or no spectators, Kamuzu Stadium is a health hazard and a risk even for local games.
“In all fairness, one wonders how Caf certified the stadium to be fit for international matches. Unless there is something special that we are ignorant of at Kamuzu Stadium, time has come to make good use of Bingu International Stadium. Mind you, the government might open up to spectators soon, lest we are caught off guard for our love of the dilapidated Kamuzu Stadium,” he said.
During the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Flames have been performing well at the Kamuzu Stadium as they did not concede any goal at home.
The Flames have only lost twice in nine games played at the Kamuzu Stadium since 2015.
