Fam presidential aspirant blames Northern Region Football Association
By Bernard Mhone:
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) presidential aspirant, Alufeyo Chipanga- Banda, has blamed Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) for endorsing Fam Vice President James Mwenda as their torch-bearer in the December presidential election.
Last month, NRFA endorsed Mwenda after being satisfied with points raised in his manifesto.
But, in an interview after a TNM Super League match between Mzuni FC and Karonga United on Sunday at Mzuzu Stadium, Chipanga-Banda queried NRFA’s decision, describing it as hasty as they have not appreciated manifestos from other presidential candidates.
“Every aspirant has his own manifesto; Mwenda came to sell his manifesto to them [NRFA] and they quickly endorsed him. How could they get satisfied with only Mwenda’s manifesto without comparing it with ours? They could have waited for our manifestos for them to go for a best candidate,” Chipanga- Banda said.
The Karonga United chairperson said he had booked an appointment with NRFA this week to sell his manifesto and seek nomination from them.
Chipanga-Banda said Mwenda’s endorsement was unfortunate to the local soccer fraternity, alleging that he has failed to develop Malawi football during his tenure at Fam.
But NRFA General Secretary, Masiya Nyasulu, said they did not endorse Mwenda hastily.
“They are not coming to us asking for our support; should we follow them? Only Mwenda came to us in good time for us to assess his manifesto. Chipanga- Banda has not yet booked an appointment with us and he is welcome to do so but not on the position of president.
“We have already endorsed Mwenda and on second vice-president Lameck Khonje [incumbent NRFA chairperson] and on executive committee member I am endorsed; so, they should come for other posts,” Nyasulu said.
Mwenda dismissed Chipanga-Banda’s sentiments, saying he did not want to quarrel with his potential competitors.
“I have served Fam for about seven years. People have seen what I have achieved and the affiliates evaluated what I have delivered. Those are his views and I don’t want to have issues with my fellow aspirants,” Mwenda said.
Chipanga-Banda, Mwenda and former Fam vice president Moses Mkandawire have expressed interest in contesting for the Fam presidency, whose occupant Walter Nyamilandu is undecided.
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