Walter preaches reconciliation

Newly-elected Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu has called for reconciliation between football factions that emerged in the run-up to the association’s annual general meeting at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi.

Nyamilandu said it was now time to bury the hatchet and move forward in developing Malawi football.

“I celebrate this victory with a humble heart. My friend James Mwenda wanted this position so badly, but there can only be one winner. He put up a good fight.

“It’s my biggest fight ever and my biggest battle. All the battles I faced have never been tough.

“But it’s now time to move on. Malawi football has to change. Business-as-usual will not take us anywhere,” he said in his acceptance speech.

Nyamilandu promised to change as well, saying as a leader he would lead by example.

“Let’s stop backbiting. Let’s stop this fighting. I am opening the door. I embrace you with open hands. No matter what you said on radios, newspapers, television or behind my back,” he said.

Mwenda, who amassed 13 votes against Nyamilandu’s 23, accepted defeat and congratulated Nyamilandu.

FAM electoral committee chairperson Justice Sylvester Kalembera said they were glad that the elections were declared free and fair.

“I am sure there are no madando [complaints] after the elections, which means they were free and fair,” he said.

He also urged the newly-elected committee to fulfil their objective of developing football.

“Remember, you have all been elected with the objective of developing Malawi football,” he said.