Cometh the hour, cometh the event! The future of top flight football will be decided today as Super League of Malawi (Sulom) goes to polls at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi District.
The pick of the day is the battle for Sulom presidency between incumbent Tiya Somba Banda and Nyasa Big Bullets Vice President Fleetwood Haiya.
Both candidates, according to their recent interviews are confident of winning the top seat having unveiled their manifestos ahead of the polls.
Haiya won the first round having earned 10 nominations against Somba-Banda’s four.
Two clubs Silver Strikers and Moyale Barracks did not nominate presidential candidate.
But voting is a secret ballot which makes the situation tricky.
Both Somba Banda and Haiya unveiled ambitious manifestos.
In his blue print, titled’ Progressive league centred on clubs’ aspirations,’ Somba-Banda, who was elected Sulom president unopposed in 2019, said he will increase revenue for clubs from K100 million to K1 billion this year, turn secretariat into a corporate office, increase clubs’ subvention to K10 million from K1 million and also introduce e-ticketing at matches among others.
Haiya was the first to unveil his manifesto focusing on five pillars namely setting up professional and effective Sulom secretariat, serving clubs in their best interest, initiating and implementing Sulom Strategic Plan, realising the full potential of Malawi elite league through vibrant commercialisation and supporting Super League clubs to be professional and financially stable.
In addition, he also promised to increase subvention to K7 million from K1 million.
The battle for vice presidency is between incumbent Gilbert Mittawa and former Mighty Mukuru Wanderers General Secretary David Kanyenda.
Mittawa got 13 nominations against Kanyenda’s two.
Outgoing Silver Strikers Chief Executive Officer Thokozani Chimbali, who got eight nominations, is challenging incumbent Williams Banda, who got seven nominations.
Incumbent vice General Secretary Fulawo Mwale got nine nominations whereas Donex Chilonga got four.
Allie Mwachande and Solomon Mchawi will go unopposed on the posts of Treasurer and Legal Advisor respectively.
Daudi Mtanthiko, Charles Mwanyungwa, Ronald Chiwaula, Henry Banda, Chimwemwe Nyirenda, Godfrey Makawano, William Nhlane, Akuzike Kafwamba and Mavuto Missi are vying for five executive member posts.
Meanwhile, the expectations are high from some clubs ahead of the polls.
Bullets Chief Administration Officer Albert Chigoga said as clubs are embracing professionalism, Sulom should take a lead.
“There must be a paradigm shift following the outcome of these elections. Sulom must change the way it transacts its business,’’ he said.
On his part, Silver Board Chairperson George Kaudza- Masina said elections should not divide the clubs.
“Football is a unifying factor. Let the winners celebrate with dignity. The losers should also accept the results,” Kaudza-Masina said.
As part of the agenda items, there will be presentation of audited accounts and statements from incumbent president. The office bearers will lead Sulom for a period of four years.
Meanwhile, considering the stakes and interest for all stakeholders in the elections, audit firm Crowe and Horwath Malawi, confirmed that the elections will be conducted through a secret ballot.
The firm’s manager Chifundo Makande said his firm is promoting independence and wants to clear out every room for fraud.
“We have agreed to have the results of every position announced at the end of the final vote for the elections and not immediately after every poll. The delegates will vote through a secret ballot. We also have asked Sulom to engage medical personnel in case of emergencies,” Makande said.
