FAM’s Luwinga Technical Centre to wear artificial turf

Shortage of standard football pitches in Mzuzu City will be minimised with Football Association of Malawi’s (FAM) announcement that Luwinga Technical Centre (LTC) situated in the city will wear an artificial turf.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said this Wednesday when asked to comment on the association’s next move pertaining to the facility, which currently appears neglected after  the contractors completed the construction of the hostels and office blocks  November last year.

LTC  football ground will become the third pitch to wear an artificial turf after Kamuzu Stadium and Mpira ground at Chiwembe, Blantyre.

Commenting on the development, former Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS)  board member Julius Mithi said the artificial turf cannot bring much joy as expected due to its  limited life span.

“It is a good idea to have the facility, however I doubt its impact  due to its limited lifespan and demand for high care,” he said.

On that, Nyamilandu said the association will employ permanent workers who will be well trained on how to maintain the facility.

“Despite its limited lifespan,  its advantages outweigh disadvantage, what is needed is to employ people who will be well trained to take care of the facility,” he said.

According to Nyamilandu, the installation of the artificial turf at  LTCin Mzuzu is part of fourth phase of Fifa Goal Project in Malawi.

Nyamilandu said the turf will be ready for use by the end of next year and more high-profile games will be taken to Mzuzu.

Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) chairperson Lameck Khonje hailed the move, saying it will take the football sport in the region to another good level. n