Zomba Stadium – stadium description

How did zomba stadium come to be?

In 2015, the authorities of Zomba – the fourth-largest city in Malawi and its former capital – decided to expand the existing Zomba Community Ground. It was the main stadium in the city, but it had a very modest character, with only a single low stand running along the pitch, behind which there was a hall building.

The project also received support from the national government, and the original expansion plans were further extended. The design was prepared by the architectural firm Clinton & Evans, while the construction work was carried out by DEC Construction. Construction began in 2017.

The plan envisaged a complete reconstruction of the facility. The hall building was expanded to include a VIP area, and around the pitch, new, significantly larger stands were planned, arranged in an octagonal layout while leaving space for an athletics track.

Funding problems, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other difficulties caused significant delays, and the stadium remained closed for a long time. The partially completed facility was finally opened in September 2025. The investment cost amounted to 4.6 billion kwacha.

The official opening of the practically new Zomba Stadium took place on 11 September 2025. The stadium was inaugurated by President Lazarus Chakwera, and the opening featured a match between Red Lions and Namikango Mission, which ended in a goalless draw.

How does zomba stadium look?

The stadium features a football pitch, surrounded by space for an athletics track, with the outer perimeter forming an octagonal outline, behind which spectator areas are positioned.

Reinforced concrete stands are located along the north-western side, extending partially along the curves. According to the design, the entire perimeter is planned to be filled with stands in the future.

On the north-western side, there is also a building housing a hall, facilities, and VIP areas. The stand directly adjacent to this building is the only one covered by a roof.

The layout of the stands is not perfectly symmetrical, although the stadium forms a fairly regular and recognizable octagon. The stands have no seating, and their capacity is estimated at approximately 20,000 spectators.