BULLETS AND WANDERS STADIA REMAIN MERE STORY

The dream having a football club ground for both Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanders(Be Forward Wanders) seems to die with a natural death. Its been more than three good years since the former president Arthur Peter Mutharika of Democratic Progressive Party-DPP led a  ground breaking to the construction of the these stadia. 

Football, the world's most popular sport, has a unique ability to unite people and ignite a sense of national pride. The construction of football grounds holds immense potential for countries, offering numerous benefits that extend far beyond the game itself. This articles, however, aims at discussing some potencies Malawi as a nation would benefit.

If it really came to pass, the two football ground would nature economic growth. Constructing a football ground can serve as a catalyst for economic growth, creating direct and indirect employment opportunities. The construction phase alone generates jobs for architects, engineers, construction workers, and various supporting industries. Once completed, the stadium becomes a hub for football matches, concerts, and other events, attracting visitors and boosting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments. Additionally, revenue generated from ticket sales, sponsorship deals, and broadcasting rights contributes to the local economy. Alas since 2020, no progress made.

Tourism development would be the second thing, Malawians to cherish if the construction had happened. Football grounds act as magnets for tourists, drawing fans from around the globe to witness matches and support their favorite teams. Hosting international tournaments or high-profile matches can significantly boost a country's tourism industry, attracting both domestic and international visitors. These tourists spend money on accommodation, transportation, dining, and souvenirs, thereby stimulating economic growth in the surrounding areas. Furthermore, the exposure gained through televised matches can enhance a country's global image, encouraging future tourism and investment.

The thing we would benefit was community engagement. Football grounds serve as gathering places for communities, fostering a sense of unity and providing a platform for social interaction. Local clubs and academies can utilize the facilities for training and matches, encouraging grassroots development and talent identification. These venues often host community events, charity matches, and youth programs, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and social integration. The construction of football grounds can inspire young athletes, instilling a sense of aspiration and providing a space for them to showcase their skills. Imagine, people from surrounding the Nyasa Big Bullets site-Chilobwe Township, Nancholi Township and even Zingwangwa Secondary School have no place where they can have sporting trainings. This is pathetic.

Social Cohesion. Football has the unique ability to transcend social barriers and bring diverse groups of people together. Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanders have supporters across the country and to have their own stadia, it would bring an excitement among people. And again, presence of a football ground cultivates a shared identity and a sense of belonging among fans, promoting social cohesion and breaking down prejudices. It creates an avenue for people from different backgrounds to unite and support a common cause, fostering friendships and understanding. The inclusive and celebratory atmosphere during matches further enhances social cohesion by encouraging camaraderie and shared experiences. Was it just a mere political say or what?

Infrastructure development. According to  Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Francis Phuso said that construction projects would take 104 weeks. A football ground often necessitates the development of supporting infrastructure, including transportation networks, parking facilities, and public amenities. These infrastructure projects can have a lasting impact on the local community, improving accessibility and enhancing the overall quality of life. Moreover, the construction of modern, state-of-the-art stadiums can inspire urban regeneration and attract further investment in the surrounding areas.

The construction of Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanders football grounds surely offers a myriad of benefits for countries. Beyond the sport itself, these venues become catalysts for progress, leaving lasting legacies that extend far beyond the football pitch. I don't know how it feels to those football fans to see these projects being raped by the politicians whose heavily goal is to see "next elections." 

How about APM? How frustrated he has become to see bushies around, skeletoned sceneries these places have been turned to and all plans he had for football industry?

Our political leaders, particularly from sports ministry, seem not to have realised the developmental secrecy behind this sporting activity. It is sad to see that the place where Nyasa Big Bullets ground, for instance, was set to be constructed has turned into a bushy area where open defecation for passers-by and hiding hole for chamba smoking youths. 

I truly believe that by investing in such infrastructure, countries can harness the transformative power of football, leveraging its widespread appeal to bring about positive change and create a lasting impact on their societies.