Okello (2nd from left seated), Kuyera (centre) and the 40 participants that received certificates
* They have been given more time on game ticketing, crowd control management and against overcapacity stadiums
* We are quite sure they will implement what we went through with them—CAF Safety & Security Instructor, Dixon Okello
By Duncan Mlanjira
Confederation of African Football (CAF) Safety & Security Instructor, Dixon Okello has declared that the country’s football stewards are now more prepared to enhance stadium security and safety measures after undergoing the 3-day CAF Safety & Security training which Football Association of Malawi (FAM) hosted in Lilongwe.
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Speaking with the media at the end of the training Thursday held at Crossroads Hotel, Okello said he had engaged with Malawian security stewards before last year and following this training he is confident they are more prepared to enhance it to at an advanced level.
He said this time around, the stewards — 40 of them drawn from Super League clubs and involved participation of the Malawi Police Service, private security companies, stadium security officers, FAM and SULOM security committee members — they have been given more time on game ticketing, crowd control management and against overcapacity stadiums.
“We are quite sure they will implement what we went through with them,” said Okello, who facilitated the training alongside experienced CAF Safety Officer, Xolile Vilakati.
He took note that Malawi uses the Malawi Police Service officers who report on duty armed, saying this is being greatly discouraged by Confederation of African Football (CAF) — thus the training to inculcate the spirit of private security systems in liaison with the stewards.
The Ghanaian gave an example of his country where the football authorities highly engaged with the Commander of Police for an amicable resolution to let football control its crowd while the national police only secure the outside perimeter of the stadium and not inside.
“It’s possible in Malawi,” said Okello. “There is no need to have guns around the pitch. It is very important to engage stewards because it is easier for them to talk to fans in any situation.”
One of the participants, Sam Mponda, Mighty Wanderers security officer, applauded FAM for hosting the high-level training, saying they have learnt key issues on crown management through match ticketing.
He indicated that tickets are meant to provide instructions at the back on dos and donts such as prohibition of bringing drink glass bottles, alcohol and any other possessions that might deem inappropriately not safety standard.
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On his part, FAM vice-president, Christopher Madalitso Kuyera observed that there were so many things learnt from the training that include that every team — including all national teams — must have a security head to accompany it to all games.
He indicated that these security personnel are meant to return from their assignments with reports of security measures they encountered and suggest way forward in order to make the game more secure to attract patronage as a venue for entertainment for all.
At the official opening ceremony on Tuesday, Kuyera described the training as “a historic moment” for Malawi football following last year’s successful high-level Stewards Trainer-of-Trainers Workshop, which made a firm commitment to organise this CAF Safety & Security training session.
A stadium is venue to fulfill full entertainment
The primary objective of the workshop was to standardise safety and security procedures across Malawi football ecosystem and enhance the capabilities of the personnel tasked with delivering secure matchday operations.
The Veep emphasised that the initiative also reinforces FAM’s continued focus on enhancing the fan experience at matches, which is a core element of the modern football environment.
“As FAM, we are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring ‘zero deaths and zero violence’ at all football matches across the country. The safety of every individual attending a football event is non-negotiable — every life matters and that is why ensuring safety and security remains at the heart of our operations.
“Balancing stringent security measures with fan enjoyment is essential. Our goal is to make football events both safe and enjoyable,” said Kuyera, who added that FAM believes “in championing safe stadiums, because football should be a family affair — where people can bring their children, friends, and loved ones without fear”.
