Sulom says will not shift kick off due to ‘heatwave’

Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has ruled out shifting TNM Super League matches kick off from 2:30 to 3pm due to the prevailing high temperatures in this part of Africa.

There were concerns from clubs that water breaks are not enough, especially in areas such as Karonga where temperatures are hitting as high as 40 degrees Celsius.

The heatwave has forced Ministry of Health and Population (MoH) to issue safety measures for the public to follow.

“Avoid going outside during the hottest time of the day and avoid strenuous physical activity if you can,” reads a statement signed by MoH  Principal Secretary  Dr. Dan Namarika.

 But Sulom general secretary Williams Banda insisted that they will maintain the official kick off time of 2.30pm.

“We will only increase the water breaks from one in each half to two to allow players to take more water,” he said.

But Banda pleaded with Kamuzu Stadium managers to water the artificial turf which gets heated because of its failure to absorb heat.

“With this heat it is a requirement to water the turf before the match and at half time,” he said.

The battle for points resumes this weekend with both top and bottom table teams.

Mighty Tigers host Mzuni FC at Mulanje Park while struggling Masters Security will be at home at Dedza Stadium against Savenda Chitipa United. On Sunday, leaders Be Forward Wanderers travel to Lilongwe to face Blue Eagles at Nankhaka while second-placed Nyasa Big Bullets host Mzuni at Kamuzu Stadium.