Tight security at Presidential Cup final#Malawi

Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has promised tight security at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe as Silver Strikers and Mafco clash in 2013 Presidential Cup final.

Fam General Secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said they would not want a repeat of the scenario that happened in the round of 16 when Silver played Bullets and fans gate-crashed.

Hundreds of supporters jumped over the stadium’s brick wall and police were not enough to stop the fracas.

The fans decided to jump over the wall after the stadium authorities closed the gates.

“We are treating this game the way we treat an international match. Security will be very tight and all those who will come to destabilise peace will be arrested,” Nyirenda said.

“So if you want to watch the game, come in good time and enter the stadium peacefully before the gates are closed once the stadium is full.”
The GS said over 300 police officers would be deployed at the game.

Meanwhile, Fam on Thursday announced the gate charges for the game.

Open stands tickets are at K500 while those wishing to watch the game from the covered stand will pay K2,500. The VIP stand is at K5,000.

The race in the 2013 Presidential has been full of twists and turns. Defending champions Bullets FC failed to retain the cup after they were knocked out of the competition by Silver.

Their rivals Mighty Wanderers were also shown the exit by Red Lions. Silver went on to beat Red Lions in the semifinals while Mafco ended Tigers FC unbeaten run with a convincing 3-1 victory to book a second appearance in the Presidential Cup final.

The winner in Sunday, final will pocket a cool K10 million. Initially, the final was supposed to be played on Saturday but it was later shifted to Sunday. – By Joy Ndovi