Former Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu says he harbours political ambitions, but has dismissed reports linking him to the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential runningmate candidacy ahead of September 16 General Elections.
While describing claims circulating on social media about his appointment as “malicious and divisive in nature”, the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) executive member said nothing stops him from contesting for any political position.
“Of course, I harbour political ambitions, but I will make such a decision at the right time. This life is full of opportunities and, as a public person, I am free to join politics anytime I want to,” said Nyamilandu, who is also a Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) executive member.
“However, what I do not like is chisokonezo [political frenzy], whereby my name is drugged in the mud through fake news. I like doing things in an orderly manner and I will never ambush people when I want something.”
The former Fifa Council member added that CAF, and the world football governing body Fifa, do not restrict their members from contesting or holding political positions.
Nyamilandu cited Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa, who is also that country’s Finance Minister and was recently re-elected as the Fifa Council member, as an example.
Lekja is also president of the CAF Finance Commission.
“It is only FAM statutes that bar its members from politics. Since I hold a position at CAF, I am free to vie for any political position that I fancy, but I will only make such a decision at an appropriate time,” he said.
When asked about speculations that he is interested in contesting for a parliamentary seat in his home district Nsanje, Nyamilandu just laughed and said; “I am a free man”.
Political analyst Humphrey Mvula and football analyst Parry Chinyama yesterday said it is possible that some politicians could be preparing Nyamilandu for a certain post, saying there is no smoke without fire.
Mvula said: “There is no way his name could come from nowhere and be associated with the DPP runningmate position. Some politicians, who would like to see Nyamilandu in that position might have deliberately thrown his name on social media to test the waters. If they see that his name is positively received by the public, he might be endorsed.”
“It is also possible Nyamilandu has been approached, but is waiting for a serious offer to declare his availability.”
On his part, Chinyama said the fact that these issues are surfacing now, they legitimise that Nyamilandu is already into politics although he dispels the rumours.
“Where there is smoke, there is fire beneath. It is just a matter of time for its manifestation,” he said.
Football analyst Ben Chiwaya said as an accomplished marketer and a proven leader in the corporate world and in football circles, Nyamilandu can make a difference in politics.
Said Chiwaya: “He played a great role in transforming Illovo Sugar to be customer-centric and left a lasting legacy at the Football Association of Malawi.
“His outstanding leadership skills earned him the highest position in global football as a Fifa Council member and he is now still serving as a CAF executive member and I am sure he can make a difference in politics. “
