The TNM Super League match between Karonga United and Blantyre-basedgiants Nyasa Big Bullets, which ended goalless, grossed K8.7 million at Karonga Stadium on Saturday.
However, from the gross the two teams got K1.7 million each with the rest being shared among other stakeholders, including security, gates management firm, ground owners, Super League of Malawi (Sulom), Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and Malawi national Council of Sports (MNCS).
Reacting to the gross revenue, Karonga United general secretary Ramzy Simwaka said it did not match the huge turnout.
“It is by far on the lower side compared to the big turnout. We were expecting to get more than K10 million. This is discouraging,” he said.
On his part, Bullets chief executive officer (CEO) Fleetwood Haiya, while thanking soccer fans in Karonga for patronising the game, also felt the revenue did not reflect the turnout.
“We also expected more, but we were the visiting team and Karonga are in a better position to comment,” he said.
A friendly match between the two teams at the same venue in February this year grossed K2.5 million.
Bullets, who flew to Karonga for the match, failed to utilise the scoring chances they created with Bright ‘Bweke’ Munthali the notable culprit.
The hosts’ defence marshalled by Lottie Mwakisulu, Pilirani Thula and William Mwalwimba also stood firm, frustrating Bullets efforts right to the end..
In a post-match interview, Karonga coach Christopher Nyambose said they were happy with the result.
“It is a good result considering that we were playing a big team. So, to us it is more about earning a point than losing two points” he said.
Bullets assistant coach Elia Kananji said they will work on finishing which appears to be their weakest link.
“A point earned is satisfactory, but we could have done better. Karonga United played well in this game. Of course, this is our second successive draw in the league, but it is part of the game,” he said.
Bullets still lead the 16-team league with 18 points from eight games while Karonga United are seventh with 10 points also from eight games. n
