Chilomoni Stadium left to rot

Chilomoni Stadium, formerly MDC Stadium, remains in a state of neglect despite the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) insisting the facility’s renovations are a priority under Fifa Forward projects funding. The 20 000-capacity stadium has deteriorated further over the past years, with part of its perimeter wall collapsing. Checks at the facility found that that the main building is in ruins with no water or electricity and toilets are non-functional.

Bushes have overgrown in the stands and the pitch is in a condition worse than many village school grounds. During the visit the facility yesterday, it was quiet and deserted like a graveyard. A guard only emerged from the ruins when he noticed our team taking pictures to protest.

However, FAM operations director Gomezgani Zakazaka in an interview yesterday said the facility is among projects earmarked for Fifa Forward support. He said: “You need to understand where the stadium is coming from. You will recall that after Surestream Academy left, it was under PremierBet Wizards who disbanded.

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FAM then gave the stadium to Sulom [Super League of Malawi] in 2020. “During that time, it was hosting matches. It was still in good condition.

But the stadium’s condition started deteriorating. That is the reason FAM decided to take it back in 2024.” Zakazaka attributed the delay in renovations to funding processes. He said: “It’s all because of paperwork.

You need to apply for funding and wait for approval. We included the Chilomoni Stadium project in the FAM 2026 budget. Following the approval of the budget, we have applied to Fifa for funding.” But football analyst Twaha Chimuka said Chilomoni Stadium has fallen victim to football politics.

“The idea was that the facility should not just be staying idle. It needed to have someone to look after it. It was also meant to bring revenue for Sulom.

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