Nomads vote, no major changes
Mighty Be Forward Wanderers FC has ushered back into office the bulk of its executive committee to lead the TNM Super League champions for the next two years.
The elections held at Wanderers Club House Blantyre yesterday saw chairperson Gift Mkandawire and first vice-chairperson Allan Chuma being re-elected unopposed.
General secretary (GS) Mike Butao also retained his seat following an overwhelming victory over Judiciary spokesperson Mlenga Mvula while Chulu Mkangama—who was a committee member in the previous committee—has been ushered in as vice-general secretary
The club’s former treasurer Hubert Mfune has made a comebackto Lali Lubani Road as second vice-chairperson after beating Andrew Mwadala.
The notable major casualty from the previous executive is former treasurer Davis Msadala who lost to former executive member Robert Mbedza.
Reacting to the outcome, Mvula said: “I would say we are still far from holding free, reasonable and fair elections, but we are people and to those that have been trusted with the task of leading the team, let them do the needful.
“Let there be transparency and accountability. The welfare of the players should be prioritised. They should get their dues in time. Having said that. Let us give them our support, let us move on.”
On his part, Butao said the priority for the new committee will be to commercialise the club and kick-start their stadium project.
“Last year we had eight partners and now we have 22 and we are looking beyond the borders as regards partnership for our stadium project,” he said.
Commenting on the outcome of the polls, Butao said: “It is not about me or Mlenga. It is about Wanderers. He campaigned vigorously and that shows he has passion for the team and we will incorporate him into the setup.”
Mkandawire thanked the supporters for their confidence in him and the rest of the committee, saying: “We will try as much as possible to run the club to your expectations. Let us all work as a team and pull in the same direction.
“Where we have gone wrong, we will expect you to correct us and guide us accordingly.”
The club’s board of trustees chairperson Rashid ‘Rashy’ Gaffar said having raised the bar last season by winning the league championship, they expect the new committee to retain the title.
“Expectations are very high. We do not want to be behind any team this coming season makamaka [ neba [especially Nyasa Big Bullets].
“To the supporters, I urge you to continue supporting the team and desist from acts of violence because it leads to hefty fines which affect the club’s finances,” he said.
The club’s main supporters committee chairperson Melvin Nkunika and Super League of Malawi (Sulom) treasurer Tiya Somba-Banda described the polls as free and fair.
A minute of silence was observed before the proceedings in honour of the club’s former chairperson the late George Chamangwana who died in July last year. n
