The Super League of Malawi (Sulom) is grappling with match venue problems as very few facilities are available to host FDH Bank Premiership matches in the Central and Southern regions. This has resulted in repeated changes to FDH Bank Premiership fixtures. The latest example is the match between Kamuzu Barracks (KB) and Chitipa United, which has been rescheduled three times within 24 hours due to venue challenges.
The match was initially scheduled for Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe but was later moved to Civo Stadium, also in Lilongwe. It has now been shifted to Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji District this coming Sunday. The problem was worsened after a storm damaged Champion Stadium in Mponela in June this year. The facility used to be the home ground for KB and Mafco.
Additionally, Kamuzu Stadium, home to Blantyre teams FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Mighty Wanderers, and Ekhaya FC, was not approved by the Football Association of Malawi (Fam) First Instance Body at the start of the season. The situation has increased demand for Mpira Stadium, which has had to accommodate the three Blantyre-based sides alongside other fixtures, further complicating the league's scheduling.
Sulom Vice General Secretary Donnex Chilonga admitted that the closure of the two stadia had dealt a major blow to the league's fixture planning, leaving the league governing body with limited options. He said that the closure of Kamuzu Stadium and Champion Stadium has really made them "dance to the tune" because the stadia they have are not really adequate.
Chilonga said Sulom sometimes schedules matches on weekdays to ease pressure on the available venues. He added that they normally also have a policy of fixing matches in-between weekdays to address the challenge. The repeated changes have also affected clubs' travel arrangements and preparations.
Chitipa United General Secretary Watson Kabaghe said the decision to move their match against KB to Mchinji would affect the club's preparations because their budget had been drawn up for a trip to Lilongwe. However, he appreciated Sulom for consulting them in time about the changes amid venue challenges.
The venue shortage has become a significant challenge for the Malawi Super League, with teams struggling to find suitable grounds for their matches. The situation is likely to continue affecting the league's scheduling and teams' preparations until more facilities are approved or become available.
Key points
- The Super League of Malawi is facing venue shortage challenges due to the unavailability of suitable facilities, particularly in the Central and Southern regions.
- The closure of Kamuzu Stadium and Champion Stadium has dealt a major blow to the league's fixture planning, leaving Sulom with limited options.
- Sulom is scheduling matches on weekdays and in-between weekdays to ease pressure on the available venues.
