Madise says Sports Council board to conclude business

Reappointed Malawi National Council of Sports board chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise says the board will continue implementating reforms introduced during his first term in office to regulate sports associations.

Madise, a lawyer and University of Malawi deputy vice-chancellor, said this in an interview yesterday following the announcement that government has retained him as the board’s chairperson.

He said: “It is humbling on my part to be entrusted with this high office for a second time. As a board, we will have to meet to map our agenda and way forward. But what I can say is we will use the foundations that have been laid.”

In the last term under Madise, Sports Council introduced guidelines for sports associations to enhance efficiency.

The guidelines state that associations will be required to hold annual general meetings and elective general meetings as stipulated by their constitutions; must have a strategic plan and related implementation plan, produce a work plan and calendar of events, have an office with at least one permanent member of staff and physical address.

Presidents of associations will now also serve two terms only and should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree while general secretaries are required to have a minimum of a diploma offered by an accredited academic institution of higher learning.

Madise, who is one of the founding members of Super League of Malawi, said the board will concentrate on ensuring the associations follow guidelines to ensure professionalism.

He said: “We can no longer continue doing business as usual. The last board laid down the foundation for change, hopefully we shall build upon that and move towards real change and ensure we have professional associations.”

Sports Council yesterday issued a statement on the appointment of the new board in accordance with Malawi National Council of Sports Act of 1974.

The statement reads: “Malawi National Council of Sports secretariat would like to let the general public know that government has appointed board of directors for the Council.

“The appointment is in accordance with Section 4 (1) of the Malawi National Council of Sports Act of 1974 for a tenure of two (2) years expiring on 14th November 2024.”

Apart from Madise, Charles Ulaya and Helene Mpinganjira have been retained.

New faces in the board are Gladson Kuyeri, Silver Strikers chief executive officer Thokozani Chimbali, Chigomezgo Nyasulu, former Karonga United patron Alufeyo Chipanga, former Chess Association of Malawi chairperson Susan Namangale, former Flames player and coach Young Chimodzi and media consultant and events organiser Chisomo Mwamadi.

The Sports Council statement reads further: “Secretariat would like to congratulate Dr. Sunduzwayo Madise who has been maintained as the board chairperson of the Council as well as the other members who have been chosen as Board of Directors.

“Secretariat is looking forward to working with the new appointed directors in making sure that sport is developed.”

During Madise’s board first tenure as chairperson, Sports

Soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda said the retaining of Madise and two other members will ensure continuity.

He said: “Sometimes unnecessary changing of the board can affect implementation of policies.”