Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has certified 12 stadiums fit to host domestic matches in the 2023 season and disqualified three facilities for falling short on minimum standards.

FAM compliance manager Casper Jangale said Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji, Champions Stadium in Dowa and Silver Stadium in Lilongwe are not fit to host TNM Super League.

He said: “Stadiums that have made the grade in the Southern Region are Kamuzu Stadium and Mpira Stadium in Blantyre, Mulanje Stadium and Balaka Stadium.

“In the Northern Region, we have Mzuzu Stadium, Karonga Stadium and Rumphi Stadium while Central Region has Dedza Stadium, Civo Stadium, Bingu National Stadium and Nankhaka Stadium all in Lilongwe as well as Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota.”

Nyasa Bullets’ McFaren Mgwira (L) challenges Silver Strikers’ Duncan Nyoni in a previous encounter

Silver Stadium did not make the grade because renovations carried out by Ministry of Youth and Sports in preparation

 for Region V Games, which Malawi hosted last year, are not completed.

Silver acting chief executive officer Faith Mzungu-Vilakati said they will use Bingu National Stadium until theirs is ready.

She said: “The contractor has assured us that work will be complete by the end of this month.”

Aubrey Dimba and Champions Stadiums failed because they did not meet minimum requirements as set by FAM and Confederations of African Football to host matches, according to Jangale.

Champions Stadium’s failure to make the grade will affect Kamuzu Barracks who opted for the venue as their home ground.

Kamuzu Barracks have now switched to Civo Stadium while Nankhaka will be their alternative.

Mchinji-based newly-promoted Extreme FC, who wanted to use Aubrey Dimba Stadium, have also settled for Civo Stadium.

Super League of Malawi (Sulom) general secretary Williams Banda said the three stadiums’ exclusion means the league runners have to change the dates and venues for matches.

He said: “We got the report from FAM. What will be affected are the venues and dates for the matches.”

Meanwhile, Jangale said all 16 Super League clubs have been licensed to participate in the topflight league.

Initially, the First Instance Body licensed champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, Silver, Bangwe All Stars, Karonga United, Ekwendeni Hammers, Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar and Chitipa United while the other eight were given another chance to refine their submissions.

Jangale said Blue Eagles, Kamuzu Barracks, Civil Service United, Red Lions, Mafco, Extreme, Moyale Barracks and Wakawaka Tigers have now been certified.

The TNM Super League kicks of tomorrow and there are eight matches lined up in week one with four to be played tomorrow and the remainder on Sunday.

Silver host defending champions Nyasa Big Bullets at Nankhaka while Moyale Barracks face Karonga United at Mzuzu Stadium.

Mighty Tigers host Extreme FC at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre tomorrow while Mafco FC will host Chitipa United at Chitowe Stadium.

On Sunday, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers kick off the season at home Kamuzu Stadium against Civil Service while Dedza Dynamos host outfit Bangwe All Stars at Dedza Stadium.

Blue Eagles host Red Lions at Nankhaka Ground while Ekwendeni Hammers take on Kamuzu Barracks at Mzuzu Stadium on April 16.

The fixture show that the first round will close on July 23 while the season will wrap up on November 12

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