Former Football Association of Malawi (Fam) first vice president James Mwenda has expressed interest to vie for the association’s presidency again when the body goes to polls in December.
Mwenda, who lost to the incumbent Walter Nyamilandu in 2019, said he is consulting Fam affiliates before deciding whether to contest for the presidency or vice.
“If the affiliates give me a nomination I will not think twice about it but contest. I have learnt in a hard way what went wrong in 2019. I am aware that I will be up against a veteran football administrator and the longest serving president in Africa, who knows the game inside out.
“It will not be easy to win against him. One needs proper arithmetic and preparations because he [Nyamilandu] is too strong and sound. If given a chance I will contest either as president or vice president,” Mwenda said.
The former Central Region Football Association chairperson, whose 2019 manifesto was coined ‘Redefining Malawi Football Agenda’, said his focus is investing in youth football.
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“We have always done our things right except for youth football. Let us forget the national team but we should build a strong and sound youth system and start producing young talent. We will be a force to reckon with,” he said
Sports analyst Roy Abramo M’ dechi, while acknowledging the influence Mwenda has on football, warned him against being undecided on the actual position he wants to contest as it might jeopardise his chances of winning.
“I know James as a top football administrator with a lot of charisma and energy to win. He has passion for football. Let him choose one position while giving room to the ones voting,” he said.
During the 2019 Fam elections, Mwenda lost to Nyamilandu by 23 votes to 13.
