Defining moment for Walter,Fleetwood in FAM race
After all the jazz, hype and razzmatazz surrounding the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) executive committee elections, especially the hot seat of president, the defining moment is finally here.
All the waiting comes to an end today at Sunbird Mzuzu where 36 delegates from the association’s nine affiliates will usher in a new executive committee to run football.
The centre of focus will be the two-horse race for president between the incumbent Walter Nyamilandu, who has served 19 years, and Super League of Malawi president Fleetwood Haiya.
No election has created so much affection and attention in recent years and the football fraternity and Malawiasns in general, will be eagerly following the proceedings as they unfold in the Green City.
Both Nyamilandu and Haiya were an oasis of calm in the countdown to the big day yesterday and appeared not to be in cold sweat as they put final touches to what has been a draining period.
One could see the fatigue written on their faces, but there was a touch of confidence as they spoke about their expectations.
A smile here, a chuckle there and, of course, an aura of determination.
In an interview yesterday, Nyamilandu, who is seeking a sixth term, said he is optimistic affiliates will vote for him to accomplish his mission before taking a bow.
He said: “My confidence in winning the FAM presidency stems from my remarkable achievements during my tenure, both in corporate and football leadership. My proven ability to drive success, implement transformative changes, and gain international recognition positions me as the ideal candidate for a continued legacy in Malawi football.
“I firmly believe that my track record in driving success, implementing transformative changes, and gaining international recognition speaks for itself. My confidence is further rooted in the tangible achievements we’ve accomplished during my tenure, reflecting a commitment to excellence and progress in both corporate and football leadership. Further to that, I have never lost in any election before and on Saturday [today] we are going to maintain this record.
“However, equally concerning is the attempt to intimidate my camp, interfere with the electoral process, and harass our members. Despite these challenges and interference from external entities, my confidence in winning the election remains steadfast. Our delegates are well aware of the calibre of leader and person that I am, and I trust their judgment in making an informed decision for the betterment of our organisation.”
On the other hand, Haiya says the trust and belief shown in him by the affiliates and other stakeholders give him confidence that he will sail through.
He said: “As I said, we remain truthful to our vision. The game will be transformed, undoubtedly. Ours is a script that lights up the fading candle of our football.
“It is about transformed leadership. Change is here. It is time for a bright new dawn for our game.”
Haiya got five nominations against Nyamilandu’s three.
The race for the position of first-vice president has also attracted two candidates, the post’s former occupant James Mwenda and Madalitso Christopher Kuyera, a member in the current executive committee.
The position of second vice-president will also be a two-horse race between incumbent Othaniel Hara and Northern Region Football Association chairperson Lameck Zetu Khonje.
Seven candidates, namely Chimango Munthali, Muhammad Selemani, Chancy Gondwe, Raphael Humba, Bernard Chiwiriwiri Harawa, Daud Ntanthiko and Patrick Kapanga will tussle for four executive committee member slots.
Incumbent Felister Dossi and Marvis Mangulenje will contest for the women’s executive member slot.
Who will vote?
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) provides the highest number of delegates: eight.
The three regional associations provide three delegates each.
National Women’s Football Association, National Youth Football Association, National Football Coaches Association, National Football Referees Association and National Beach Soccer provide two each.
