Hockey stadium opens April 26
The Hockey Association of Malawi’s (HAM) ambitious stadium project in Blantyre is set to be officially unveiled on April 26 for matches.
HAM administration manager Benjamin Chaula said in an interview that although the facility is still under construction, the stadium will be open for matches with the 11-aside FMB Hockey League.
A visit by The Nation to the facility at the weekend, established that the playing surface is almost ready and workers are now doing final touches.
“We applied fertiliser and the next step will be to roll the pitch to make it smooth and thereafter, apply black soil,” said Chaula.
He also said initially, the plan was to have the ground opened towards the end of the month, “but we have just started the construction of changing rooms, toilets and a storeroom which is at foundation level. We are hopeful that the project should be through by early next month.”
The opening of the arena will ease the shortage of grounds as HAM and clubs have been struggling to develop the sport in the country due to lack of standard pitches and exorbitant fees charged at rented venues.
Recently, HAM general secretary Wanthaza Mughogho said: “We are happy that finally, we will be conducting our activities at our own place.”
He said so far, construction of the pitch and a brick perimeter fence around the stadium has cost them about K6 million (US$14 742).
