Chiwembe ground rehab starts

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has taken the first step in the refurbishment of its Chiwembe Ground with the installation of an artificial turf.

The association’s chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda said the multi-million kwacha Astro-turf project is being funded by the world football governing body Fifa to the tune of $500 000 (about K190 million).

Nyirenda said the first phase which started on Monday, will be completed in July and the stadium will be available to host second round Super League games and it will help alleviate lack of proper venues in the commercial city.

“Apart from installing the artificial turf, we are also planning to construct covered stands, toilets, dressing rooms and entry ticket selling points in the long term.

“We also intend to construct additional stands made of planks so that we can increase the capacity to 5 000 from the current 2 000 using the funding we get from CAF [Confederation of African Football],” said Nyirenda.

The installation of the turf is being carried out by ACT Global which also installed the artificial turf at Kamuzu Stadium.

“They have subcontracted a local company called Real Construction Company to help them in the project,” he said.

The FAM CEO also said the second project will include renovating the ground’s brick fence.

“We have also just opened a bar and very soon our kitchen will be operational so that when fans come to patronise games, they should be offered recreational facilities,” he said.

Asked the total cost of the project, Nyirenda said: “We are planning to bring in a consultant to work on the estimated cost of the project then after that we’ll submit it to the executive committee for their perusal.

“But what I can say is that we are on track in our quest to turn the technical centre into a full-fledged commercial entity.”

The technical centre was constructed using funding from Fifa under the Goal Project.