BY MPHATSO MALIDADI:
Gross of K39 million was realised from gate collections following the return of the Blantyre derby between Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers to its Kamuzu Stadium home on Saturday after almost two years of seeking refuge in Lilongwe.
The stadium was closed in 2016 to pave the way for renovations, forcing the two giants to relocate their derby from the Blantyre soccer mecca to Bingu National Stadium.
All stakeholders, including Super League of Malawi (Sulom), were satisfied with the figure from a stadium whose capacity was reduced further to just under 15,000 on safety grounds.
With spectators paying K2,500 each in the open stands from the usual K2,000, the amount sets a new record for the derby, which was standing at K37 million.
Bullets and Wanderers pocketed about K8.5 million each from the amount.
Sulom General Secretary, Williams Banda, said the figure was a reflection of the attendance at the match, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
“All stakeholders worked jointly to achieve this. Security was tight and people were able to come and go back home with their families without any cases of violence. Officiating personnel, who have been getting criticisms lately, also tried their best and I have not heard any team pointing a finger at the referees.
“The media also publicised the game very well. The amount we collected is quite satisfactory considering the fact that slightly above 13,000 went into the stadium,” Banda said.
Bullets Chief Executive Officer, Fleetwood Haiya, said they were satisfied with the amount and attributed the feat to collaborated efforts.
“All stakeholders, including security personnel and systems, worked hard to ensure that we realise this impressive amount. We also salute Sulom for the good timing to fix the game at the end of the month.
“We will not relax in ensuring that we review all systems to tighten loose ends. Our rivals Wanderers were also equally supportive of the cause,” Haiya said.
Wanderers Chairperson, Gift Mkandawire, also said the amount was satisfactory considering the reduced capacity.
“The system that we put in place worked. All the stakeholders that were engaged for different services did not disappoint. This is quite commendable,” Mkandawire said.
During the match, Wanderers went ahead through veteran Esau Kanyenda while Bullets replied through another old timer Fischer Kondowe.
Bullets top the log table with 46 points from 20 games while Wanderers have 39 points from the same number of games.
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