Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says it expects the association’s new general secretary (GS) Abdul Chiwalo to improve efficiency.
FAM president Fleetwood Haiya said this in an interview when asked on expections from the newly-hired chief executive officer, who has replaced Alfred Gunda.
He said: “Mr. Chiwalo brings a wealth of experience in financial management, operations and governance, backed by over 15 years of service across public, private and development sectors.
“As a chartered accountant, auditor and seasoned consultant with international exposure, he is expected to strengthen FAM’s financial integrity, operational efficiency and donor engagement.”
Haiya said having been part of the team that developed FAM’s current strategic plan, Chiwalo has a deep understanding of the association’s priorities and targets.
“His appointment, therefore, not only ensures continuity, but also enhances our capacity to effectively implement the plan and deliver on our football development objectives at all levels,” said the FAM president.
Chiwalo, a former chairperson of the recently established Eastern Region Football Association, on Monday said he will be able to comment once he reports for duties.
In a statement released on Sunday evening, Haiya said the FAM executive committee unanimously endorsed Chiwalo’s appointment “following my proposition as FAM president, in accordance with the provisions of our statutes”.
The statement further said the appointment is effective August 18.
Reads the statement: “Mr. Chiwalo is an ACCA chartered accountant and holds a master’s degree in financial management, a master’s degree in economic policy, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
“He brings with him over 15 years of experience in key managerial and decision-making positions. Prior to his appointment, he served as management accountant at Mera [Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority] and was the former chairperson of the Eastern Region Football Association.
“On behalf of the executive committee and the entire football fraternity, I wish to extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Alfred Gunda for his unwavering dedication and invaluable contribution to the transformation of football in Malawi.
“We shall continue to draw from his wealth of experience and knowledge and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”
Gunda, who served as FAM GS for eight years, said in an interview on Sunday that he is leaving the association a happy man, having set “enviable standards”.
