The Southern Region should brace for an escalation in shortage of match venues following inavailability of Joyce Chitsulo Stadium in Mwanza District after government’s decision to process Malawians repatriated from South Africa at the facility.

Department of Disaster Management Affairs director of preparedness and response Charles Matabwa yesterday announced that the returnees, who were initially welcomed at Kamuzu Stadium, will now be processed at the facility.

Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has since rescheduled the FDH Bank Premiership fixture between Blantyre-based FCB Nyasa Bullets and Masters FC of Lilongwe which was set to take place tomorrow at the stadium, to Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre on Monday.

Bullets, who were using the facility as their home following the closure of Kamuzu Stadium by Football Association of Malawi for failing to meet minimum standards, also confirmed that Joyce Chitsulo Stadium owners, Mwanza District Council, communicated to them that the facility is not available.

“The match was initially scheduled to be played at Mpira Stadium on Saturday before being moved to Joyce Chitsulo Stadium after the Blantyre venue was confirmed unavailable.

“However, following further communication from Mwanza District Council advising that Joyce Chitsulo Stadium is also unavailable to host the fixture, Sulom revised the schedule once again, with the match returning to Blantyre on Monday,” Bullets said in a statement signed by acting chief executive officer Albert Chigoga.

Apart from Bullets, Southern Region Football Association Finca League sides Mwanza United and Mwanza Stars, who play their home matches at the facility, are also affected.

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