The Maravi Post

LILONGWE--Blantyre based soccer mad fans must brace themselves for a tough ride following Malawi government’s decision to officially close Kamuzu Stadium, pending renovations for the defective spectator stands.

Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports closed the stadium last month, pending an assessment by government engineers on the extent of the damage caused on some spectator stands at the stadium.

The development left Football Association of Malawi (Fam) in suspense as to whether or not to use the stadium for some international matches including the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations second qualifying leg between Malawi and Ghana next month.

But a press release issued by the Ministry today, September, 21, 2012has put the matter on the stadium’s use to rest.

The release, which is signed by Principal Secretary for Youth and Sports Justin Saidi reads in part: “The Ministry of Youth and Sports would like to inform the general public that Kamuzu Stadium has officially been closed pending renovations. The decision has been arrived at following results and recommendations of the assessment of spectator stands by Structural Engineers which has exposed failure on some of the open stands.

“The Ministry therefore wishes to advise all stakeholders that no activities will be held at the stadium until renovations are done. During this period, all international football matches will be played at CIVO Stadium. At the moment, CIVO Stadium is undergoing renovations to ensure that it can effectively host international football matches.”

The press release has not indicated how long the renovations would last but there are all indications that the stadium would not be in use for the rest of the year.

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