Mzuzu protesters give Walter 30 days ultimatum

A group calling itself concerned citizens in Mzuzu has demanded the resignation of Football Association of Malawi (FAM)  president Walter Nyamilandu within 30 days or risk facing  unspecified action.

The protesters issued the ultimatum during demonstrations they held yesterday.

The group also wants Nyamilandu, who has served for 19 years, not to seek re-election during the forthcoming polls scheduled for December 16.

 The demonstrations attracted a sizeable turnout, a majority of them youths. It started at Katoto Secondary School football ground to Mzuzu main streets and proceeded to Mzimba North District Office where they delivered a petition. 

Reading the petition, the group’s chairperson Mervin Xumayo cited closure of Mzuzu Stadium by FAM and delayed completion of Luwinga Technical Centre as major reasons for their demand.

Part of the petition reads: “FAM closed Mzuzu Stadium denying people in Mzuzu City access to Super League games when other facilities that are hosting the games are equally in poor condition.

“[As for] Luwinga Technical Centre, nothing is happening there when the project is well-funded by Fifa. We cannot continue watching the [FAM] leadership sidelining Mzuzu.

“We are asking the FAM president to resign and [he] should not stand again in the forthcoming elections to pave way for new faces.”

The demonstrations came barely two days after another grouping in Lilongwe also organised a press briefing asking Nyamilandu not to contest in the FAM polls.

Speaking to the press after delivering the petition, Xumayo said the demonstration was a timely message to Nyamilundu that he has done his part and should depart the stage for others to take over.

Receiving the petition on behalf of the District Commissioner, the district social welfare officer Lickson Ng’ambi assured the concerned citizens that the petition will be delivered to appropriate office.

 “I can assure you that the petition has reached our office and it will be delivered to relevant office. We thank you for holding a peaceful demonstration,” he said.

 Nyamilandu could not be reached for comment yesterday.

 But Mzuzu-based football pundit Julius Mithi said the concerned group is entitled to express their opinion. He, however, faulted the timing.

 He said: “In the first place, I would like to acknowledge that everyone has a constitutional right to demonstrate against what they feel is not right, but in this case, I would like to differ with them because Nyamilandu has not yet been nominated and that aside, he has a constitutional right to seek re-election.

 “So, I feel the approach taken by this concerned citizen is not right,” he said.