Vote of confidence?

Be Forward Wanderers top brass is set to retain their positions unopposed in executive committee elections to be held tomorrow at the Lali Lubani clubhouse.

Chairperson George Chamangwana, second vice-chairperson Allan Chuma, general secretary (GS) Mike Butao and outgoing executive committee member Chulu Nkangama, who is aspiring to be vice-treasurer, will all go unopposed.

Ironically, the same executive committee was fired by supporters late last year only to be rescued by Super League of Malawi’s (Sulom) intervention.

But GS Butao said the lack of interest to vie for the top positions was a sign that they impressed during their tenure highlighted by securing Be Forward Limited sponsorship.

“Our vision now will be to initiate commercialisation projects. We want to open shops across the country where we will be selling different club products such as T-shirts and umbrellas,” an audibly excited Butao said.

But the battle during the election will be between former general secretary Chipiliro Mpinganjira and former Super League of Malawi (Sulom) vice-president Gift Mkandawire who are vying for the vice chairperson seat.

Mkandawire described the race as a friendly fight.

“We know each other well and we will go into it in a friendly way.

“My vision is to assist in financial capacity rebuilding so that the club is more stable,” he said.

On his part, Mpinganjira said the structures he laid when he was in the executive committee will win him votes: “Under my tenure we had a policy of investing in youths like defenders Francis Mlimbika and Bongani Kaipa who are still playing. I hope that supporters remember what we achieved.”

The winner between Mpinganjira and Mkandawire will replace Alex Machila who will not seek re-election.

The race for vice-general secretary will involve outgoing Chris Kananji, Duncan Kamwendo and Vincent Patel while the incumbent Davis Nsadala will face off Wisdom Malunga for the treasurer’s post.

Onani Chaponda, Robert Mbeza, former National Women Football Committee chairperson Suzgo Ngwira, Hendrix Chakwera, Duncan Jumbe and renowned radio personality Flora Nkusa-Nkhoma will contest for the executive member positions.

Meanwhile, board secretary Patrick Jumbe has described the candidature of two female contestants Ngwira and Nkusa-Nkhoma as a clear indication that women are being given support to take part in managing the club.

Meanwhile, the elected committee will be in office for two years since the club is yet to change its constitution to be in line with that of Sulom and Football Association of Malawi.

“To make the constitutional changes we need to call for an extra-ordinary general assembly,” GS Butao said.