By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, May 9, Mana: The rehabilitated Mchinji Community Ground has rejuvenated hope for Mchinji football development, as it has brought in a proper arena for football.

Decorated with a new VIP stand, standard grass pitch, change rooms, a proper perimeter fence and ablution blocks, the ground gives football enthusiasts hope that it can be home to football development in the district.

Eliya Phiri, coach for a local team Kanalero Football Club, said having a proper football field in the district is a plus for football advancement.

“The rehabilitation gives us a big opportunity, especially on the pitch which now has grass; this will reduce injuries. There is also a chance that established teams from elite leagues can come and play here, and this will motivate the young players who will learn a few things,” said Phiri.

He urged the authorities to take care of the pitch and make sure it is always green.

District Sports Officer Martin Panyanja echoed Phiri’s sentiments, saying the facility meets the standards and will be used perfectly to expose talent and developing talent in the district.

He however put emphasis on revenue collection.

“There is a potential that we have met some of the required standards and this gives us a chance to have big matches in the district. This will boost revenue collection as a council and hope to have more revenue collected,” said Panyanja.

Mchinji Council Chairperson Dorothy Musa said she was optimistic that football will be advanced in the district.

“Currently, the ground has all the relevant facilities a football ground must have. We believe hidden talent will be unearthed,” said Musa.

Commenting earlier when he toured the ground, Ministry of Sports Infrastructure Development Officer, McMillan Mwale, said he was pleased the council had heeded the suggestions given throughout the rehabilitation.

 “I am glad that the football ground has all the necessary facilities as per our advice. The structure now has the standard facilities,” said Mwale.

The rehabilitation of the community ground was done through two funding windows in performance-based grants (PBG) under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) and District Development Fund (DDF).

The ground, which will benefit thousands of football-loving people, used funds from GESD for the construction of VIP stands, upgrading the pitch, and installing solar-powered water tanks.