Barely a week after the Super League of Malawi (SULOM) announced a ban on the sale of beverages in glass bottles, including alcoholic ones, vendors were seen openly selling them during the Blantyre Derby at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Sunday.
In a statement issued on 23 October 2025, SULOM emphasised that the ban was in full effect, warning that no sale of beverages in glass bottles — alcoholic or otherwise — would be allowed inside or around stadium premises.
“No selling of beverages in glass bottles, including alcoholic drinks, will be allowed inside or around the stadium,” read part of the statement.
This reporter went undercover and posed as a customer during the match.
One woman, who requested anonymity, confessed to smuggling the drinks into the facility a day before the match.
She explained that the business was her only source of income and that she could not afford to stop selling, especially since football matches provide good profit opportunities.
SULOM Vice President, Ronald Chiwaula, reaffirmed that the directive remains in force.
“If this really happened, it is quite unfortunate. But SULOM’s position still stands. As the notice states, any violation will lead to arrest and prosecution accordingly,” said Chiwaula.
Sports analyst Henry Gome urged SULOM to strengthen enforcement of the ban, stressing that the measure was introduced to protect both players and spectators.
“We saw over the weekend that some people are still selling drinks in glass bottles. I urge SULOM to ensure that this stops happening in our stadiums by strictly enforcing the ban,” Gome said.
Another analyst, Christopher Njeula, called on SULOM to adopt a more coordinated approach to implementation.
“Successfully banning the sale of alcoholic beverages requires a multi-sectoral approach through the active involvement of various stakeholders, including team officials, stewards, the police, and merchandise vendors themselves,” Njeula advised.
The Blantyre Derby ended in favour of Mighty Wanderers who thrashed FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 3-0, courtesy of Adam Wallace’s first half goal and Blessings Singini’s brace in the second half.
