Domestic football is set for a new era in gate controls as e-ticketing will be implemented at 100 percent at all TNM Super League matches from December 1 this year.
This was announced during a joint press conference by Super League of Malawi (Sulom) and TNM plc, sponsors of the TNM Super League, in Lilongwe Monday.
The project, which had been in the pipeline for many years, will be implemented at 100 percent as the league graduates from cash to strictly electronic entry payments at the gates.
This means the deadline for accepting both cash and mobile payments at TNM Super League matches is on November 30.
Chairperson for the Sulom Marketing and Commercialisation Sub- Committee Chimwemwe Nyirenda said after months of implementing the hybrid system, where both cash and mobile payments were being accepted as payment options, it was now time to switch 100 percent mobile payments.
Nyirenda said as the league undergoes reforms, adoption of electronic ticketing was a big step towards transforming the game.
“As the world embraces the era of digitisation, e-ticketing will be a catalyst in Malawi as we work on transforming, reviving and rebranding our football.
“E-ticketing enables instant transfers to teams as opposed to the current system of bank deposits. It also enables the teams to track their revenue through the e-ticketing portal,” Nyirenda, who was accompanied by Sulom Chief Executive Officer Faith Mzungu- Vilakati and Treasurer Allie Mwachande, said.
The innovation is aimed at maximising gate revenue for all stakeholders in domestic football.
E-ticketing is a significant milestone in domestic football as, apart from safeguarding revenues, it is real-time attendance tracking tool and prevents fraudulent activities.
General Manager for TNM Mpamba Christopher Sukasuka said the e-ticketing innovation would bring sanity to domestic football.
“E-ticketing offers convenience for all football stakeholders in the management of cash. Football fans have an opportunity to purchase their tickets any time while, on the other hand, league managers have total control over match revenue,” he said.
Sukasuka said the league sponsors were ready for the e-ticketing switch initiative through the deployment of adequate resources for the transition.
“The TNM Mpamba card can also be used for ATM withdrawals and payment in shops through PoS [Point of Sale] machines,” he said.
In reaction to the development, Silver Strikers Chief Executive Officer Patrick Chimimba hailed the initiative.
“We are excited for this progressive initiative. Our only plea to the authorities is that between now and when these games will be played, there should be an aggressive sensitisation campaign so that this news reaches all corners,” Chimimba said.
His Bullets counterpart Albert Chigoga also welcomed the development.
“We are hoping that TNM is fully ready to roll out e-ticketing to avoid any possible hurdles from its onset. This needs to take into account the fact that football demands efficiency in enabling people to easily access match venues.
“Between now and the date of implementation, there is a need to collaborate and find the best possible ways of ensuring smooth transition,” he said.
The project will be implemented in the last six matches of the season.
Silver lead the log table with 54 points from 24 matches, four above Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, who have played a match more.
Bullets are third with 44 points from 24 matches.
Gate revenue fraud has haunted Malawi football for a long time.
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