Sulom touts gate management, hiked gate charges

Source: The Times Group Malawi
Author: Mabvuto Kambuwe

BLANTYRE DERBY -- Bullets striker Ephraim Kondowe and Wanderers defender Stanley Sanudi

TNM Super League matches have generated record gate revenue of K324.5 million within the first seven weeks of the season.

This is according to records provided by the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) Tuesday.

The figure has been realised from 112 Super League matches that have been played at venues across the country.

At the same stage last season, the matches had generated K223 million.

This means the league has generated K100 million more than it did at the same stage last season.

Although the season is just seven weeks old, the figure is expected go beyond half of what was realised during the entire 2023 TNM Super League season.

The 2023 TNM Super League realised K916 million in gate revenue whereas K587 million was generated in 2022.

Out of K324.5 million, K80.4 million was generated from the Blantyre derby involving FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers on May 4 at the Kamuzu Stadium.

Last Sunday's match between Silver Strikers and Wanderers generated the second highest gate revenue this far, after it generated K33 million.

Sulom Vice General Secretary Donnex Chilonga attributed the rise in gate revenue to several factors.

Chilonga said strict gate management, increased patronage and implementation of the e-ticketing system are some of the key factors.

"The training of stewards before the start of the season has improved gate management. The level of competition in the league has improved and fans are also eager to watch more matches.

"The implementation of the e-ticketing system has also helped a lot," he said.

Before the start of the season, stakeholders increased gate charges by 50 percent.

This comes after Sulom classified matches, with matches rated in categories A, B and C.

The matches were categorised depending on last year's final log table.

A standard ticket for matches in category A is pegged at K4,000 from K3,000 last season.

A ticket for matches in B and C categories is pegged at K3,000 and K2,000, respectively.

Wanderers Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Panganeni Ndovi said the clubs are also promoting matches this season.

"If supporters would embrace the e-ticketing system using the Mpamba card, we could be talking about an easy way to enter stadia and quick management of the finances. The Mpamba card is the way to go," he said.

Silver CEO Patrick Chimimba said teams have engaged an extra gear in promoting matches.

"The pre-sale and town storming has helped increase our revenue. Tickets are readily available, which is convenient for supporters," Chimimba said.