FAM says GS to serve until December

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has confirmed its general secretary (GS) Suzgo Nyirenda’s imminent departure after securing a job at Council of Southern African Football Associations (Cosafa) in South Africa as deputy chief executive officer.

However, while Nyirenda says he will sever ties with FAM at the end of this month, the association’s president Walter Nyamilandu on Sunday said he will work until December to ensure smooth transition.

Said Nyamilandu: “I had a chat with him recently and he confirmed an offer from Cosafa. He is now negotiating a package.

“We are ready to let him go. He has been with FAM for 11 years and has served as GS for five years and it’s not easy to let go someone you love so much.

“But at the same time, it will be selfish to hold on to him and say don’t move when the sky is the limit for him. He needs to face new challenges and he is going to be our ambassador at Cosafa.”

Asked how he rated the outgoing GS, Nyamilandu said: “Everybody is unique in the way he or she carries out their duties and I would say the stability that Suzgo brought to the association stands out.

“Our Fifa record in terms of management and executing plans, is second to none. He was always on top of things and that is why we have made great strides administratively. So, it will be big boots to fill, but he is leaving behind a well organised [management] team.”

FAM facilities manager Casper Jangale who doubles as head of club licensing and transfer matching system (TMS), also hailed Nyirenda as “someone very professional and open.”

“We started work together and he has been like a brother, I liked his friendly approach in doing things. He was accommodating and as GS, I liked his leadership style. I guess that is why FAM has made a lot of strides administratively.”

Under Nyirenda’s leadership, FAM has created good working relationship with both Fifa and CAF, leading to Malawi being chosen for the Fifa Under-15 leagues pilot phase, hosting of inaugural technical directors course, hosting the second goalkeepers trainers course and is also one of the leading associations in the Fifa Goal Project initiative. n