Jappie unopposedfor MOC presidency

Malawi Olympic Committee (MOC) president Jappie Mhango is assured of a second term of office as he has no challenger for forthcoming polls scheduled for February 17 at Sunbird Lilongwe.

According to the final list of nominees approved by the Judicial Commission which was released on Tuesday, the Rumphi North legislator got 11 nominations.

In an interview on Tuesday, the commission’s chairperson Wapona Kita, a private practice lawyer, said: “The names are nominated by affiliates and as judicial commission, we are supposed to scrutinise whether the nominations have complied with the MOC constitutional requirements.

“Each affiliate has a specific number of nominations it can make depending on whether it is a MOC recognised sports organisation or a commonwealth recognised sport organisation.

“The same goes with voting, the number of votes an association has depends on its affiliation status with MOC.”

Mhango in an interview said having no challenger demonstrates the trust and confidence affiliates have in him.

He said: “I am credited to them [affiliates]. I do not take their gesture for granted and I want to assure them that I will continue to be their loyal servant.

“Guided by our strategic plan, we shall continue from where we are today. There is a lot of work to be done to improve the sports sector in the country.

“We shall continue to collaborate with government as a critical stakeholder in the overall development of sports in the country.”

The position of vice-president has two contestants, incumbent secretary general (SG)  Captain John Kaputa (retired) who will face his ‘boss’ General Kakhuta Banda.

Incummbent treasuer Henry Sakala and Lisungu Banda will tussle for the position of SG with Dennis Kumwenda and Beatrice Makwenda vying for the vice-SG post.

Andrew Mkwezalamba is unopposed for the post of treasurer.

Eleven nominees, namely Sushira Khamisa, Maggie Chikuni, Tichitenji Nkhwazi, Pyson Likagwa, Peter Gomani, James Kaunda, Ousbourne Banda, Willy Kumilambe Isaac Chimwala and Malombo Kayira will contest for two executive member positions.

Conspicuously missing on the list of nominees are incumbent vice-president Flora Mwandira and vice-SG Frank Chitembeya.