Reported by Innocent Mvundula
In a recent media release, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has cast a spotlight on the state of Civo Stadium and Mzuzu Stadium, asserting that both facilities fall below acceptable standards. The move has prompted a call to action, with FAM urging stadium owners to undertake necessary maintenance work outlined in inspection reports, prior to a follow-up assessment.
Civo Stadium, a prominent sports venue under the purview of the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), finds itself at the center of this development. The stadium’s management expressed minimal surprise at FAM’s announcement, citing a prior inspection report conducted at the onset of the 2023 season. During that evaluation, FAM recommended addressing minor issues, including open stand toilets, to enhance the overall spectator experience.
The timeline for the upgrades takes on added significance, as the stadium was initially slated to host the Regional 5 Games in December 2022. However, despite being under maintenance preparations for the event, the contracted work failed to meet the stringent deadline, leading to subsequent setbacks. With the Malawian football sports calendar commencing in April, the maintenance works at Civo Stadium remains incomplete through the end of the first round, posing challenges for the sports community.
Efforts to expedite the necessary upgrades hit a roadblock due to funding challenges, as the stadium aimed to host regional sports events. Collaborative attempts through the Ministry of Youth and Sports were made to resolve the situation at hand based on first inspection report, yet contractual complexities proved insurmountable. Nevertheless, ongoing discussions hint at potential resolution, paving the way for a brighter future.
Civo Stadium’s management remains optimistic about the path ahead, as they gear up to tackle the pending tasks. The stadium manager, Mr. Chris Longwe, affirmed that significant strides have already been taken in refurbishing the venue. While acknowledging the remaining minor issues, Longwe assured stakeholders that Civo Stadium is well on its right way to being fully operational within a month’s time.
Notably, the OPC, acting as the facility’s proprietor, is poised to initiate an extensive upgrade project encompassing multiple areas. The forthcoming refurbishments are set to encompass the training ground, basketball court, netball court, beach soccer ground, and various other amenities. These enhancements aim to bolster the stadium’s appeal as a hub for diverse sporting activities, promising Malawians an enriched sports culture.
As Civo Stadium embarks on this transformative journey, it underscores that its service management has the capacity to provide quality services. However, they are unable to do so independently due to the fact that the required works fall within the existing contractor’s purview. The emphasis remains on the completion of the work rather than an estimated price tag, underscoring that everything is within the contract given to the third party so no need.