Sports and Games

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets bemoan K55 million derby gross

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets bemoan K55 million derby gross
TIGHT BATTLE—Bullets’ Yankho Singo and Isaac Kaliati (centre) of Wanderers fight for ball possession as referee David Chinoko closely monitors

Rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets expressed their dissatisfaction after the 2024 TNM Super League Blantyre derby second round match grossed K55 million on Saturday.

The game failed to match the K80 million record gross which was realised in the first round meeting.

Wanderers Chief Executive Officer Panganeni Ndovi expressed differing views following the gross.

“Considering the outlook of the people in the stands, we could have done better. We are still investigating which areas did not work well.

“However we are also looking at the fact that this game attracted fewer people than last time and that we had fewer days to sell tickets on the market prior to game day,” Ndovi said.

His Bullets counterpart Albert Chigoga was not pleased with the gross.

AERIAL TUSSLE—Sama (2nd right) challenged by Yamikani Mulogeni (2nd left)

“Not very satisfied with revenue. We could have done better. The revenue did not reflect the turnout,” Chigoga said.

Both teams received K10 million each while a similar amount went to Kamuzu Stadium as ground levy.

Football Association of Malawi and Super League of Malawi each received about K4.1 million while Malawi National Council of Sports got K2 million.

Police received K1.6 million while stewards got about K1.5 million.

Bullets won the match through first half goals from Ronald Chitiyo and Babatunde Adepoju whereas Wanderers scored through Sama Thierry Tanjong, moments after the Lali Lubani Road outfit was reduced to 10 men following Lawrence Chaziya’s sending off.

MPINGANJIRA—I personally apologise

The defeat dented Wanderers’ title challenge which prompted the club’s president and chairperson of the board of directors Thomson Mpinganjira to issue a statement to the Nomads fans.

“I would like to commend all our supporters for their exemplary behaviour during the game against Nyasa Big Bullets at the Kamuzu Stadium despite the loss. Your support and dedication was evident, and it means everything to me personally, and the entire board of directors.

“I personally apologise to you following today’s loss. Like all of you, I feel the weight of this outcome and I share in the disappointment. I understand the depth of your pain and the emotions that come with it and it gives room to go back to the drawing board.

“Finally, I have taken the time to read your comments and hear your thoughts through the social media. Your voices matter, and your feedback will be carefully considered as we work towards future success,” the statement read.