The TNM Super League clash between Nyasa Big Bullets and Moyale Barracks at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday will be played without spectators.
Super League of Malawi (Sulom), on Wednesday, declared that supporters must be barred from watching matches following Government’s decision to reduce the number of people at public gatherings.
On Tuesday, the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 announced that all public gatherings should not have more than 100 people in attendance and that all borders nationwide should be closed for 14 days with immediate effect.
Following the declaration, there were fears that all upcoming matches, starting this weekend, would be cancelled. However, in reaction, Sulom has announced that all matches will proceed as scheduled, but without supporters and with strict adherence to the Covid-19 guidelines.
“The Super League of Malawi would like to advise all member clubs that all TNM Super League games will proceed as per released fixtures with strict adherence to the Presidential Covid-19 guidelines and directives.
“Kindly be informed that games shall now be played without spectators for the next two weeks as directed by the Task Force on Covid-19. This follows the upsurge of the second phase of Covid-19 cases,” reads the statement.
The communication further reminds clubs and match officials to adhere to all set guidelines.
“We would like to remind clubs and match officials to mask up, wash hands, sanitise and [observe] social distance. We wish to advise that safety and security of match venues should be enhanced to ensure that supporters follow the proceedings at home.”
Sulom has also warned clubs to resist from allowing fans to watch games at the stadium, saying law enforces have been given powers to arrest all those that will be found loitering within stadia premises.
“It will be a misconduct to find supporters around stadium premises and law enforcers are advised to arrest all those found loitering without due responsibility. All those duly sanctioned to provide services will be accredited,” says the statement.
This will be the first time for local league games to be played without spectators in this campaign as the Super League enters Week 5 following the start of the 2020/21 soccer season on 27 November.
Before the season kicked off, most pre-season games were played behind closed doors until the Government lifted the ban on sports activities.
Bullets are currently on fifth position on the standings with five points after registering a single win, two draws and a loss from four games.
