New hockey stadium set to open Sunday
Hockey Association of Malawi (HAM) is set to commission the artificial turf at the hockey stadium located at Kamuzu Stadium upper ground in Blantyre this Sunday.
The launch comes four years after the project was awarded to the country.
In an interview yesterday, HAM general secretary Lameck Fiwa said Africa Hockey Federation president Seif Ahmed and Minister of Youth and Sports Ulemu Msungama will commission the K850 million project.
He said Malawi qualified for the project after impressing the continental hockey body in the development of the sport at grass roots level.
Said Fiwa: “This project was an award given by Africa Hockey Federation to a national association that made a significant mark through innovative programmes and initiatives or by embracing the spirit of hockey through exceptional sportsmanship.”
He said the artificial turf will help improve the standards of the sport in the country.
On her part, Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS)sports development manager Ruth Mzengo said the council contributed K500 million to the project.
Two years ago, MNCS procurement officer Thom Phodogoma was quoted by The Nation, as having said the Federation of International Hockey (FIH) gave HAM the Astro-Turf after securing funding from government.
“Government would like to see our youths playing hockey on an international standard pitch and we cannot let this opportunity slip,” he said.
Clifton Civil and Building Contractors constructed the stadium while Germany-based turf installation experts laid the turf.
The facility also has floodlights and former HAM president Khrishna Achuthan was quoted as having said the association will partner companies to fund erection of terraces for spectators and refurbishment of security wall.
