Government vows Soche Stadium completion is on the horizon

The government has assured the public that the long-delayed Soche Stadium project is on a fast-track to completion, following a resumption of construction work after a five-year standstill, reports Times Sport.

The pledge comes as a new agreement with the Asian Foreign Economic Contractor (Group) Company breathes life back into the Blantyre-based site.

Macmillan Mwale, spokesperson for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, confirmed that the contractor returned to the site two weeks ago and is now actively engaged in construction.

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“I can confirm that the contractor is back on site to continue construction works. The Ministry’s focus is to complete the 10,000-seat stadium as soon as possible,” Mwale stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to delivering a new indoor stadium for Blantyre.

The Soche Stadium project, originally meant for Mighty Wanderers, has been a source of public frustration since it was initiated in 2020 and subsequently stalled in 2020 due to funding issues. The project’s initial budget of K1.6 billion has since ballooned to an estimated K25 billion.

While Mwale did not provide a specific completion date, he emphasized the current progress, noting that the contractor is focused on key phases, including the construction of the stands and the completion of the perimeter fence.

The government has reportedly provided an undisclosed amount to the contractor to get the project back on track, and a K1 billion allocation has been earmarked for the project in the 2025-26 financial year.

Mwale also revealed that the Zimpeto Stadium project, intended for PCH Soche Big Bullets, will only commence after Soche Stadium is fully completed.