Sorry state
Preliminary assessment of Kamuzu Stadium’s damage indicates that it will cost K1.5 million to buy equipment and renovate the Blantyre facility, which is in a sorry state due to the latest pitch invasion.
Fans went berserk following the Carlsberg Cup final between Be Forward Wanderers and Silver Strikers a fortnight ago.
The stadium’s Manager, Ambilike Mwaungulu, confirmed that rowdy fans uprooted several items at the facility, thereby affecting some gates.
“They stole corner flags, mesh wire, perimeter fence, pipes and barbed wire. All is gone. They also uprooted the turnstile for Gate F while trying to force their way into the stadium. We have since closed that gate,” Mwaungulu said.
“This is a preliminary assessment which has factored in the cost of buying the items and repairs. It might be more than K1.5 million or less. Football Association of Malawi (Fam) also did their assessment and we are waiting for their figures.”
Going forward, the manager added that he will submit a report to stadium owners, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Manpower Development, on how cases of pitch invasion will be dealt with in future.
Fans, dressed in blue which is associated with Wanderers, invaded the pitch after the Nomads retained the cup following a dramatic 5-4 post-match penalty win over Silver. The two teams had drawn 1-1 in regulation time.
Wanderers’ General Secretary, Mike Butao, told The Daily Times after the final that it was difficult for them to control their supporters.
“The team fought well and the supporters were excited. Under such circumstances, it was difficult to contain the supporters. Anyway, we will wait for the charge and then pay the fine. I don’t think there is a team in Malawi that has ever succeeded in controlling their supporters after winning a cup,” Butao was quoted as saying.
The Nomads were also fined K350,000 and K650,000 following ugly scenes that occurred during Carlsberg Cup quarterfinal and semifinal matches against Prison United and Mangochi Police at Balaka Stadium and Kamuzu Stadium, respectively.
Fam General Secretary, Suzgo Nyirenda, said their disciplinary committee, will after examining referee’s report, formally charge Wanderers for pitch invasion.
Nyasa Big Bullets’ fans also invaded the pitch at Civo Stadium after winning the Presidential Cup following a post-match penalty against Moyale Barracks in July.
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