National Sports

FAM hopeful on Kamuzu Stadium

FAM says it is hoping that Covid-19 prevention measures that do not allow spectators will still be in force when the 2022 World Cup qualifiers start in June to make Kamuzu Stadium eligible to host matches.

Under the new Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations, the ailing facility cannot host World Cup qualifiers because it does not have recommended bucket.

Flashback: Fans queue at Kamuzu Stadium to buy tickets

Since 2015, the Flames have played nine matches at Kamuzu Stadium winning five, drawing twice and losing twice. At BNS, they have played three matches winning one, drawing once and losing once.

In an interview yesterday, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) licencing and compliance manager Casper Jangale, who is also responsible for facilities, said: “Since the games are currently being played without spectators, we are hoping that CAF will take that into consideration and allow us to host the World Cup qualifiers there.

“But of course, that will be dependent on the prevention measures still being in force, otherwise the matches will be staged at Bingu National Stadium [BNS] in Lilongwe.”

He also said with authorities at BNS having started working on the condition of the pitch, FAM is optimistic that it will be ready by the time they present reports on the condition of the stadiums to CAF on April 25.

There were fears that BNS could miss the test as the pitch is not in playable condition due to overgrown grass.

“I inspected the ground last week and it is relieving that they have started working on it.

“So, when we meet the FAM executive committee on April 24, we will seek its direction on the issue,” he said.

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