(By Vinjeru Ngwira)
Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire, has directed Mzuzu City Council to prepare and submit a budget and designs for a new stadium to be built in the city.
Mkandawire stated that Mzuzu Stadium is in a highly dilapidated state due to its age, making it a potential safety hazard. He emphasized that the facility is turning into a death trap, necessitating immediate action.
He made these remarks on Tuesday during his visit to Mzuzu Stadium, where part of the perimeter wall had collapsed due to heavy rains. The incident further highlighted the stadium’s deteriorating condition.
As a short-term measure, Mkandawire assured the council that his ministry would provide a technical team to assist in rehabilitating the pitch before the 2025 season kicks off. This intervention aims to ensure that the stadium remains functional while plans for a new facility are being developed.
Mzuzu City Council Chief Executive Officer, Gomezgani Nyasulu, welcomed the government’s commitment to constructing a state-of-the-art stadium in the city. He described the project as a significant step in improving sports infrastructure in the North.
Nyasulu further disclosed that reconstruction work at the stadium would commence on Wednesday. He assured the public that the council is committed to ensuring the stadium remains safe for use while awaiting long-term solutions.
Mzuzu Stadium, built in the 1970s, is the largest stadium in the Northern Region. It has been a crucial venue for Super League teams, including Moyale Barracks FC and Mzuzu City Hammers, who rely on it for their home matches.
With the government’s directive for a new stadium, sports enthusiasts in Mzuzu now anticipate improved facilities that will enhance the growth and development of football in the region.
