Derby grosses K40m: Clubs, Sulom express satisfaction
The latest episode of the Blantyre derby between Be Forward Wanderers and Nyasa Big Bullets, played at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) on Saturday, grossed K40.3 million in gate revenue collection.
The most sought after fixture on the domestic scene ended goalless, leaving the two teams tied on seven points from three games each.
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) treasurer Tiya Somba-Banda said 75 percent of the revenue went to the two clubs and the stadium owners, government, with each carting home 25 percent, translating into K8.8 million each.
“Sulom and Football Association of Malawi [FAM] each got K3 million as part of their 10 percent share [while] the Malawi National Council of Sports got a five percent share of about K1.7 million,” he said.
The Sulom treasurer said the gross revenue matched with their projection.
“We are satisfied with the revenue. In fact, the tickets we printed were projected to raise such an amount. We only had a shortfall of K400,” said Somba-Banda.
Meanwhile, in a rare case, both teams have expressed satisfaction with the revenue raised.
Nomads chairperson Gift Mkandawire described the figure as quite satisfactory.
“I think it is reasonable but less than our expectation. We believe we could have done better.
“I think the activities of the previous day affected the turnout,” he said referring to the demonstrations.
“We are also questioning some of the occurrences, especially at the gate used for vehicles since money is put in the pockets instead of a box as is the case at other entrances.”
On his part, Bullets chief executive officer Fleetwood Haiya, whose team played away, said: “We thank God for raising K40 million and we hope to raise more in the second-round match having established and learnt on some weaknesses in gate management system.”
Last season’s second round league derby raised about K37.7 million which was about K2.6 million less than Saturday’s gross with almost the same entry fees.
Soccer analyst George Kaudza Masina also said the figure reflects the turnout.
“The turnout should have been about 18 000 or thereabouts. So, the amount reflects that. It means gate management system has improved, but they can do better,” he said.
