Silver Strikers cheer Bingu National Stadium stampede victims
TNM Super League giants, Silver Strikers, on Saturday got off their busy schedule to cheer victims of the Bingu National Stadium stampede at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe.
Eight people died as a result of the stampede, with 68 sustaining injuries as they scrambled to enter the stadium before the start of the match involving Silver Strikers and Nyasa Big Bullets.
The match was organised as part of activities marking commemoration of the country’s 53rd Independence Anniversary.
During the visit, players and the coaching staff donated assorted items to the victims.
Silver Team Manager, Francis Songo, said the club was saddened with what happened at the stadium.
“We are really shocked. As a club, we decided to cheer them to show that we are with them during this difficult period, “he said.
Despite the stampede, the government went ahead to stage the match, arguing that cancelling it would have resulted into another catastrophe.
A minute of silence in honour of the victims was observed before the match kicked off.
President Peter Mutharika cancelled his appearance at the stadium and cheered the victims at KCH soon after the prayers.
The country’s football governing body, Football Association of Malawi and their regional counterparts, Council of Southern African Football Associations, have since consoled the bereaved families.
Bullets won the game 2-1, courtesy of Blessings Kameza’s own goal and Diverson Mlozi’s strike, whereas Mathews Sibale netted for the Central Bankers.
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