By Santos Zefania
LILONGWE-(MANA)-President Lazarus Chakwera is set to preside over the opening of Zomba Stadium in Zomba on Thursday, according to a press release signed by the Secretary for the President and Cabinet, Collen Zamba.
Zomba City Council, Aubrey Moses, Public relations officer, stated that the stadium’s opening will not only boost tourism and enhance revenue but is also expected to significantly contribute to the development of grassroots talent.
The venue would provide young athletes with opportunities to observe and engage with elite hidden talents, thereby creating an environment conducive to their skill development, he emphasised.
Football analyst Parry Chinyama expressed his enthusiasm stating that Zomba Stadium is well-suited for significant football matches and serves as a major focal point for the city.
“This exposure to higher levels of play will serve as an invaluable experience, motivating and inspiring the youth to strive for improvement and reach their full potential,” said Chinyama.
Renovations of the Stadium began in 2017, with an initial completion date set for October 2020, but due to funding issues and other delays, this timeline could not be met.
The government allocated 6 billion Kwacha to expedite the second phase of the stadium’s refurbishment.
Zomba Stadium has the capacity to accommodate 20,000 people.