In response to the outcry of TNM Super League outfit Red Lions, government has pledged to ensure that Zomba Stadium is ready for use by December this year.
Local Government Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda made the commitment today when he visited the facility alongside Super League of Malawi (SULOM) chief Fleetwood Haiya.
During the run up to SULOM elections Haiya promised to lobby authorities to expedite the construction of the stadium which has missed deadlines a number of times.
During the visit Chimwendo Banda assured Zomba residents that the second phase of the construction works of the 11,000 capacity stadium would be complete in six months.
“The pledge we are making as government is that this facility will be ready for use in the next six months. We will make sure that the stadium is built to the highest quality standards so that it will be able to host international games as well,” he said.
Chimwendo Banda-as a sign of commitment-said to ensure that the stadium is complete within the stipulated time he would continue to visit the site until the phase is done.
SULOM President Haiya thanked the minister for honouring his invitation to visit the site.
” As you know that it has been six years since Red Lions started playing their home games away. When we were doing our campaign, I promised them that I will lobby the government to complete this very important project,” said Haiya.
The SULOM chief believe that partly Red Lions’ struggles in the top flight division could be attributed to them not having a proper home ground saying apart from the military side the facility would also benefit many teams from the eastern region.
The first and second phase the the construction of Zomba stadium has cost government about 4.8 billion Kwacha. Currently Red Lions are on position 14 in the TNM Super League after playing five games.
