By Bernard Mhone:
The football fraternity is mourning Football Association of Malawi (Fam) former second vice president Othaniel Hara, who died in a road accident at Edundu in Mzimba District on Saturday.
Hara, who served Fam in various capacities for about 12 years, played a key role in projects such as Luwinga Technical Development Centre in Mzuzu and also helped the Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) to secure sponsorship.
Fam President Fleetwood Haiya said Hara contributed a lot to the development of the game in the country.
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“I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our former second vice president, Othaniel Hara. His contributions to Malawian football have left an indelible mark on our game, thus he will be greatly missed by the football community,” Haiya said.
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During his tenure, Hara was also assigned to lead core committees such as technical sub-committees and referees sub-committees.
On his part, NRFA General Secretary Masiya Nyasulu said Hara was instrumental in sports development at regional and national levels.
“He was a true leader. He was always with us and supported us a lot, including in sponsoring NRFA top four bonanzas,” Nyasulu said.
Meanwhile, Fam former president Walter Nyamilandu Manda, who worked with him, has said Hara committed his life towards football development.
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“It is heartbreaking to lose such a great man because he had excellent leadership skills; no wonder, he was a performer in all assignments. I will forever miss his valuable advice and great times that we shared together,” Nyamilandu said.
Franklyn Hara, brother to the deceased, said the body of his brother would be laid to rest on Tuesday at his home village, Baula.
He described his death as a blow to the family as he was a pillar for them.
According to police, Hara, who was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser, BR 7252, lost control of the vehicle such that it swerved, hitting a road embankment before overturning.
He was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mzuzu Central Hospital.
Hara, 56, came from Dunduzule Hara Village, Traditional Authority Mtwalo, in Mzimba District.
