For the first time in nearly a decade, the heartbeat of elite football is returning to the old capital.
This weekend, Super League of Malawi (SULOM) will stage two FDH Bank Premiership matches at Zomba Stadium, a development that has sparked excitement, nostalgia and renewed hope among football supporters in the city following years of inactivity at the venue.
The stadium, once regarded as one of Malawi’s most intimidating football grounds, has largely been dormant for top-flight football since 2017 due to infrastructural challenges and failure to meet elite match standards.
But this weekend, the venue will be alive again when Red Lions FC host LUANAR Mitundu FC on Saturday before defending champions Mighty Wanderers FC face table-toppers Silver Strikers FC on Sunday.
For many football lovers in Zomba, the occasion represents far more than just two league fixtures; it is a symbolic return of big-time football to a city with deep football heritage.
The decision to allow Wanderers to use Zomba Stadium follows discussions between Zomba City Council and the club after the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) declared Kamuzu Stadium unfit to host elite matches.
Zomba City Council Sports Officer, Evance Kashoti, has confirmed that preparations for the high-profile matches are complete, with authorities putting in place enhanced security and intensive pitch maintenance ahead of the weekend.
“We understand how important these matches are to football fans in Zomba and the Eastern Region. We have hired enough security personnel and we are ensuring the pitch remains in excellent condition,” said Kashoti.
The anticipation is already visible across the city.
Football fans, vendors and transport operators are expecting one of the busiest sporting weekends Zomba has witnessed in years. Restaurants and minibuses are also expected to benefit from the influx of fans travelling from neighbouring districts.
Silver Strikers Eastern Region Coordinator, Great Munthali, says the club is mobilising supporters from districts such as Phalombe, Balaka, Machinga, Mangochi and Zomba to travel in large numbers for Sunday’s blockbuster encounter against Wanderers.
“All our supporters in the Eastern Region are excited because this is a rare opportunity to watch a big match close to home. We want to paint Zomba blue,” he said.
On the other hand, Wanderers Marketing and Brands Manager, Greyson Chapita, has urged supporters to buy tickets in advance to avoid congestion at the gates, an indication of the huge turnout expected for the fixture.
The excitement surrounding the stadium’s revival has also been boosted by the impressive start to the season by home side Red Lions. The soldiers remain unbeaten after four matches and recently frustrated FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in a goalless draw at Joyce Chitsulo Stadium.
Red Lions coach Malumbo Mkandawire believes passionate home support at Zomba Stadium could play a crucial role as his side pushes for another positive result against Mitundu.
The renewed football atmosphere in the city has also attracted political and civic interest. Zomba City Mayor Christopher Jana recently rewarded Red Lions players with K1 million following their draw against Bullets, a gesture the club says has significantly boosted morale within the squad.
Older football fans in Zomba say the return of elite football evokes memories of packed terraces, fierce atmospheres and the glory days when the stadium regularly hosted some of the country’s biggest clubs.
Now, after years of silence, Zomba Stadium is preparing to rediscover its voice.
