FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Head Coach Wedson Nyirenda has criticised the state of the playing surface at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe City.

He says the facility is not fit to host FDH Bank Premiership matches.

Nyirenda spoke after the People’s Team beat Mafco FC 3-0 on Sunday.

The result took Bullets back to the top of the log with 36 points, one ahead of Mighty Wanderers.

Despite the scoreline, Nyirenda said he was unhappy with the conditions.

“First and foremost, it was not an easy match. We knew we were going to find a match like this because playing against a team that is at the bottom and struggling [means] they throw everything at you. So we, being Big Bullets, take every match like a final,” Nyirenda said.

He then turned to the issue of the pitch.

“About the pitch; it is not easy to play on this pitch. If we say this is for Premier Division, we are lying to ourselves, the pitch is not playable,” the Zambian tactician said.

It is not the first time the former Zambia national team coach has raised concerns about playing surfaces in Malawi.

Recently, Bullets were held to a goalless draw by debutants Luanar Mitundu Baptist at Dedza Stadium in Dedza District.

Nyirenda said the poor surface was affecting the quality of football his side wanted to play.

Civo Stadium is currently the main venue for top-flight football in Lilongwe and has drawn heavy criticism this season from several coaches and players.

Stakeholders have pointed to an uneven surface, bare patches and poor grass cover.

Sports writer and analyst Antony Isaiah Jr said Nyirenda’s complaint was justified.

“Wedson is right to complain; he is a new man in our league. Many of our pitches in Malawi are unplayable. You cannot expect teams who want to play passing football and build from the back to do so on such surfaces.

“If we want to improve our league, attract sponsors like FDH Bank and compete internationally, we must invest in quality infrastructure,” Isaiah said.