SULOM Tough On Blantyre Derby Security

By Romeo Umali–LILONGWE

Football fans who take pride in smuggling alcohol into local stadiums risk facing serious disciplinary measures including arrests this Saturday as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets take on their old bitter rivals, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers at the Kamuzu Stadium in a game that mostly accommodates no dull moments.
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Super League of Malawi-SULOM has spelt out strict measures to ensure maximum security and reduced congestion at the stadium.

In a statement, SULOM General Secretary, Williams Banda says they will allow no alcoholic drinks in the stadium.

He adds no supporter will be allowed to go beyond the barricades in the open stands. SULOM further discloses tight security involving the police, stewards and private security companies.

Previously, the stadium, initially designed to accommodate 40 thousand spectators, now handles around 14 000 after FIFA’s declaration in 2017 that some stands were unfit for use.

In fact, the SULOM fixture is against a directive by Football Association of Malawi that all high profile matches like the Blantyre be held at the Bingu National Stadium instead.

FAM General Secretary Alfred Gunda says they will not be held accountable if anything happens at the stadium.

“If Sulom and the teams proceed with the game at Kamuzu Stadium, they will be doing that against the advice Fam issued. We condemned the stadium and wrote to Sulom over the matter. So if they go ahead playing at Kamuzu [stadium] let them do. But that will be against Club Licencing rules and the advice we issued. Whatever happens we will not be held liable,” Gunda says.

Meanwhile, SULOM has effected an upward adjustment on gate charges with the opens stands now going K3000 from K2000, among others.

Currently, Wanderers are on position three on the 2023 TNM Super League table with 18 points from 10 games; three points behind the defending champions, Bullets, who are second and trailing Silver Strikers on the summit.