Fans to pay to watch Presidential Cup finals -Govt
In a dramatic turn of events, Malawi government through the ministry of Sports has reversed its decision to let people watch the 2012 Presidential Cup final for free.
In a statement released by the Ministry of sports and made available to Nyasa Times on Wednesday, the Presidential Cup final date (1st September, 2012) and venue (Civo Stadium) remains unchanged.
The statement signed by Principal Secretary in the Ministry Justin Saidi further stipulates that the decision to come up with gate charges has been reached upon public outcry that there might be total confusion if the game is to be watched free of charge.
“Following concerns from the general public that allowing free entry during the presidential cup final at Civo stadium will have negative effects on capacity of the stadium, revenue, security and other
related matters, government has considered the concerns and has decided to effect gate charges,” reads part of the statement.
According to the statement, the charges for the game are as follows: VIP K5, 000.00, Covered K2, 000.00, Open Stands K300.00.
Edition of the 2012 Presidential Cup finals between Big Bullets and Moyale Barracks was initially slated for August 26 at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre only to be cancelled at an eleventh hour following security concerns at the Stadium as it was reported that the some of the stands at the stadium are not in good shape,.
The winner will pocket a cool K10 million.
Games cancelled
In a related development, Football Association of Malawi has cancelled all Standard Bank assignments which were supposed to get underway this weekend to give chance to Malawians and clubs concentrate on Presidential Cup final.
The soccer governing body has since released a new calendar for the 2012 Standard Bank cup.
“The Football Association of Malawi would like to inform you that the calendar for the 2012 Standard Bank Knock out Trophy has been revised following the change of the Presidential Cup finals.
“The 1st legs in the Quarter Finals will now take place on 15th September 2012 instead
of the 1st September 2012. The 2nd legs will take place on 22nd September while the Semi Finals will be played on 29th September and Finals will be played on 6th October 2012” reads a statement released by FAM on Wednesday signed by Fam CEO Suzgo Nyirenda,
The full fixture is as follows:
15th September 2012
Silver Strikers vs Blue Eagles at Silver Stadium
Moyale Barracks vs CIVO at Mzuzu Stadium
Wanderers vs ESCOM at Kalulu Stadium
Bullets F.C vs EPAC at Balaka Stadium
22nd September 2012
Blue Eagles vs Silver Strikers at Nankhaka
Civo vs Moyale Barracks at Silver Stadium
Escom vs Wanderers at Balaka Stadium
23rd September 2012
EPAC vs Bullets F.C at Silver Stadium
