The FDH Bank Cup finalists, FCB Nyasa Bullets and Mafco FC, have expressed mixed reactions to the K30.674 million revenue generated from the final match held at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday.
Out of the total sum, approximately K4.8 million was received by each team, the ground owners, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, while FAM received K3.85 million.
Bullets expressed contentment with the figure, considering the turnout. Albert Chigoga, the Chief Administration Officer of Bullets, stated, "I would say we are satisfied, considering the turnout."
However, Mafco FC Chairperson Captain Cydreck Chisale held a different view. He expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the gross revenue did not reflect the actual turnout. Chisale raised concerns about the lack of checks and balances and stated that it was disheartening that the revenue did not make a significant difference to the development of football and the welfare of players.
On the other hand, the Football Association of Malawi's (FAM) Commercial and Marketing Director, Limbani Matola, deemed the revenue satisfactory, stating that it exceeded expectations given the prevailing circumstances. Matola attributed challenges such as transportation difficulties caused by fuel scarcity and the one-sided fan base affair to the lower turnout.
Matola expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved, including sponsors FDH Bank, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, stadium management, service providers, security personnel, and the supporters for their collaboration and teamwork, which contributed to the success of the final.
The semifinals of the tournament generated a total of K31 million, with the Bullets versus Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar match grossing around K20.5 million and the teams receiving K4.2 million each. The match between the Wanderers and Mafco FC generated approximately K10.5 million, with each club receiving at least K2 million.
