By Mphatso Malidadi and Mabvuto Kambuwe
Newly-elected Football Association of Malawi (Fam) president Fleetwood Haiya has received a boost as he kick starts his tenure after both State President Lazarus Chakwera and Fifa President Giovanni Infantino congratulated him and his executive.
It follows his victory during Fam’s Elective General Meeting at Mzuzu Hotel on Saturday where he dethroned outgoing president Walter Nyamilandu with 23 votes against 13.
In a statement released yesterday, Chakwera pledged to support Haiya’s administration to develop football.
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“The First Lady and I would like to congratulate Mr. Fleetwood Haiya and the entire Fam Executive Committee for being elected to the highest football decision-making body in Malawi.
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“We wish the newly elected Fam Exco Team all the best. We pledge our unflinching support to the new Fam Executive Committee,” the statement reads.
Chakwera took time to commend the outgoing executive committee for their contribution in developing football in the country.
“We would like to thank Mr. Walter Nyamilandu and the rest of the outgoing Fam Exco Team for the commendable contribution that they have made to the game of football in the country,” reads the statement.
On Sunday, Infantino also congratulated Haiya.
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“Please accept my warmest greetings and sincerest congratulations for your election as President of the Football Association of Malawi (Fam).
“I am also speechless after Fifa President sent his congratulatory message. It shows that our executive has been welcomed,” Haiya, who stepped down as Super League of Malawi president after his victory, said.
Haiya was also congratulated by Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima.
Meanwhile, Haiya wasted no time as he had his first interface with the secretariat yesterday. During the interface, Haiya urged the members of staff to continue working hard.
“I thought it wise that we should not create any gap because when there is leadership change, there are some gaps which are created.
“We [want to] make sure that business should continue and follow their protocol or hierarchy without any one being intimidated. We are not here to invent a new wheel or indeed to change or a new beginning but rather a continuation which is transforming the game.
“Basically, the foundation which was created…we are just building on the foundation, if it was a car, we would bring new tyres to make sure it should move,” Haiya, who was accompanied by executive committee member Daudi Mtathiko, said.
