Basmal president withdraws candidature
Basketball Association of Malawi (Basmal) incumbent president Hamlet Kamtengeni has withdrawn his interest to seek a second term of office.
The development leaves Senior Chief Masawani Jere of Mzimba, who is Northern Zone Basketball League (Nozobal) patron, as the only candidate for the top seat.
The two were set to be contenders for the presidency as per the final list of nominated candidates that Basmal released last weekend ahead of the association’s elective general assembly scheduled for this Saturday at the Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) in Blantyre.
However, Kamtengeni said he feels he has done his part and it is time for others to take over.
“After thorough consultations with family and friends, I believe it is good to leave the stage and give others a chance,” he said.
“Moreover, I have trust in Chief Jere. Had he not shown interest for the post, I could have probably sought re-election.”
Kamtengeni said he is hopeful that his successor will maintain the good relationships Basmal has built and the continued programmes with the world basketball governing body Fiba.
On his part, Chief Jere said he is ready to take basketball to greater heights.
“I love basketball so much and I am ready to take the challenge of further improving its standards in the country,” he said.
On the post of vice-president, incumbent vice-general secretary Banthari Banda is scheduled to go unopposed while general secretary Edgar Ng’ong’ola is expected to defend his seat against Peter Gomani.
John Chizunza, Lisungu Banda-Moyo and Blena Chisenga will go unopposed for the posts of vice-general secretary, women basketball director and marketing and resource mobilisation director, respectively.
Edgar Thokozani Kamangira and Hellen Chabunya will tussle for the treasurer’s seat while Obed Nyirongo is expected to defend the technical director post against Hope Chisamanga.
Battle for youth development director position will involve Sherati Kaiche and Dean Lungu Jnr. George Phiri, Dominic Phiri and Isaacs Chimwala will face-off in fight for the post of competitions and compliance director.
Ng’ong’ola said zonal or regional elections will take place a week after the Basmal polls at Katoto Secondary School in Mzuzu, Civo Stadium in Lilongwe and Blantyre Youth Centre.
