By Mphatso Malidadi & Peter Fote:
Local football experts have expressed opposing views to the recent anti and pro Walter Nyamilandu demonstrations ahead of Football Association of Malawi (Fam) elective Annual General Meeting scheduled for December.
Nyamilandu was in the spotlight after a group calling itself Concerned Citizens took to the streets on Wednesday asking Nyamilandu not to seek re-election as Fam president when the association goes to polls.
The development came after another group named Concerned Sports Enthusiast held a press briefing in Lilongwe calling Nyamilandu not to stand but relinquish the post to Fam’s First Vice President Justice Jabbar Alide.
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In another twist, a group calling itself Team Walter was also on the road encouraging Nyamilandu to seek another term.
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Despite the tension that is slowly building up, Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) Board Chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise said demonstrators were entitled to their opinion.
“It is okay to have tension and this is what makes elections exciting. Football fans are entitled to their opinion as long as they demonstrate peacefully without infringing the rights of others,” he said.
Madise said they are closely following ongoing developments as Fam is an important affiliate.
“Fam runs football which commands largest following in Malawi. As such we are following things from a distant as we do want to interfere with the electoral process,” he said.
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Meanwhile, former Fam general secretary George Kaudza Masina has described the demonstrations as unproductive and a waste of time.
“Those who want Nyamilandu not to contest in the December elections must go and convince the affiliates and not taking their anger to the streets that will not help.
“Even those who also want the president to contest again should also advise their candidate to engage the affiliates because this act of staging demonstrations will not take our game of football anywhere. It is the thing of the past,” he said.
Football administrator Roy Abramo M’dechi concurred with Masina saying demonstrating against or for Nyamilandu has no bearing on the result or candidature of the Fam leader.
“Firstly, Nyamilandu has not yet declared his stand on the elections and even if he decides to contest again that is his right. He will not be breaking any law as football statutes do not bar him,” he said.
M’dechi said Nyamilandu can be challenged by a strong candidate.
“If anyone is against Nyamilandu, then the best thing to do is to get a strong candidate who should challenge him and win. Going to the street with placards that will not help anything,” M’dechi said
Nyamilandu is now serving his 19 th year and he is yet to declare his candidature.
