The reopening of Zomba Community Stadium which was marked by a spirited friendly match between Red Lions and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, has rekindled the vibrant, high-energy sporting and cultural atmosphere that once defined Zomba City.
For the first time in over eight years, during which the stadium remained under construction, Zomba experienced a return to the lively football culture that has long been central to its identity.
With the partial unveiling of the 20,000-seater stadium, surrounding communities gathered in large numbers to celebrate the revival of local football, amassing a whopping K21,369,000 in gate collections.
The occasion was more than just a match; it was a symbolic homecoming for fans who had been deprived of top-tier football entertainment for years.
Member of Parliament for Zomba Central Constituency, Bester Awali, expressed his pride and satisfaction at seeing the stadium finally host a high-profile fixture involving FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
“The reopening of the stadium offers an opportunity for families and supporters to once again enjoy the communal experience of live football in a modern facility,” he noted.
Zomba City Council Chief Executive Officer, Archangel Bakolo, also welcomed the development, emphasising that efforts are underway to expedite completion of the remaining infrastructure, particularly the players’ access tunnel, to ensure the stadium meets full operational standards.
On the pitch, the encounter ended in a goalless draw, with both sides using the match as preparation for the upcoming FDH Premiership season.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets fielded a relatively strong lineup, with captain Frank Willard partnering Paul Master in a double pivot midfield role.
Notably, Peter Banda was deployed in an unfamiliar number 10 position, a tactical experiment that yielded limited success.
At halftime, Bullets introduced several changes, bringing on Mike Mkwate, Yamikani Mologeni, and Dunstain Banda in place of Maxwell Phodo, Hassan Kajoke, and Frank Willard, but despite these adjustments, the team struggled to establish rhythm and attacking cohesion.
Red Lions, however, will take confidence from the result, particularly following their recent 2–1 victory over Mighty Wanderers in the Sapitwa Four Tournament and today’s performance signals growing momentum as they prepare for the new season.
On Saturday, the stadium also hosted Eastern Region’s Durata Premier League Champions, Changalume Barracks’ match against Ekhaya Football Club which ended 2-2.
Beyond the matches, the reopening of Zomba Stadium carries broader significance, for it marks a step toward restoring the city’s status as a key cultural and economic hub because the return of large-scale sporting events is poised to stimulate local commerce, generating much-needed revenue for Zomba City Council and other businesses.
The facility is also expected to complement major local events such as the Zomba City Festival, which celebrates the city’s rich heritage and community spirit.
Ultimately, the football matches that accompanied the stadium’s reopening stand as a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal.
After years of delays and challenges since construction began in 2017, Zomba has reclaimed a vital part of its sporting and cultural legacy.
