In a development that has shocked Mzuni FC and Moyale Barracks FC, Mzuzu City Council (MCC) has hiked booking fees for Mzuzu Stadium from K2,500 to K10,000.
MCC spokesperson, Karen Msiska, said the increase follows the passing of the council’s 2017/2018 budget.
He attributed the hike to the fluctuation of the kwacha.
“[If] someone books the stadium, then they have to pay K10,000. But if an individual wants to use the hall, then they have to pay an additional amount because the hall is situated right inside the stadium,” Msiska explained.
He added that the hike was meant to cover costs of the facility’s renovations.
To use the stadium, Mzuni and Moyale will now be paying K150,000 each for 15 home TNM Super League games.
Last season, the teams paid K37, 500 for the same number of games, excluding for cups.
Mzuni FC Chairperson, Albert Harawa, said the council had ambushed them.
He said the increase will force them to adjust their budget at the 11th hour, weeks before the Super League kicks off.
“We usually pay in advance. But the problem is that the increment is coming when we have already come up with our budgets. So, this is likely to catch us off-guard,” he said.
Moyale General Secretary, Precious Gausi, however, said that although the increase has come unexpectedly, the teams have to understand that the economy is not good.
“That [increment] will also affect us, but we just have to accept the reality that everything has gone up. For the council to keep the facility in good shape, they need money,” he said.
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