Dedza Stadium unfit for league games

The Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has for the second time turned down Kamuzu Barracks’ request to be using Dedza District Council stadium for their home games in the forthcoming 2013/2014 TNM Super League season.

Sulom general secretary Williams Banda confirmed the development on Wednesday citing a number of reasons for the rejection. Last season, Kamuzu Barracks also had a similar request turned down.

Banda said they visited the stadium a few weeks ago together with officials from the National Referees Committee (NRC) and found out that it was still unfit and in bad shape for Super League games.

“The ground still has anthills and the turf is hard. We recommended that they spread sand on the grass and water it extensively to make it soft and playable, but it is still hard and not conducive for players.

“The measurements are also not of standard. A football pitch is supposed to measure 90×110 metres with atleast a metre between the side line and the perimeter fence for easy movement of assistant referees.

“The stadium fence is also shorter, which can make crowd control difficult. Last year, we recommended that the height should be extended.

“Entrances to the dressing room are shared with the VIP stand, which is not conducive to the players’ security. So, these are the main concerns about the stadium which must be addressed. Once they have put them in place, we will inspect again,” said Banda.

Kamuzu Barracks and Dedza District Council spokespersons could not be reached for comments.

Banda also explained the shifting of the Tigers and Mafco game from Surestream Academy to Nchalo Stadium on Saturday.

“FAM and the management of the academy are yet to finalise an official agreement on the arrangement in terms of procedures in the use of the facility. But we expect that by next week, the ground will be available for use,” he said.

With the two grounds not in use, it means the South has only Nchalo, Kamuzu and Balaka stadiums, and Zomba Community Centre ground for six teams while the Central Region has Civo, Silver, Chitowe and Nankhaka stadiums to cater for seven teams. All others have home grounds except Kamuzu Barracks, Epac FC and Mponela United.