Football Association of Malawi (Fam) presidential aspirant, James Mwenda, unveiled his manifesto Monday at a colourful ceremony held at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.
Clad in royal-blue suit, white shirt and maroon necktie, Mwenda unveiled his blue print at a ceremony which attracted a pool of football administrators.
Mwenda said his manifesto was focusing on rebranding Malawi football.
“My dream is to see football becoming an industry that effectively contributes to the effort of government, development partners, non-state actors and private sector in the social economic development of the country as outlined in the national development strategy,” Mwenda said.
In his blueprint, Mwenda’s four pillars focus on transforming Malawi football through visionary leadership, investing in football, sustainable financing for Malawi football, and governance and reforms.
Pillar one is aimed at providing effective and exemplary leadership, strategic planning and support to all the affiliates.
Among other pillars include investing in football development to ensure that the Flames qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
In reaction to the manifesto, National Coaches Association General Secretary, Davie Mpima, welcomed the manifesto but urged Mwenda to implement it if elected.
“In Malawi, we are good at unveiling manifestos but it is a challenge to implement it. It will be good for leaders to also take advice from fellow football administrators,” he said.
Southern Region Football Association Chairperson, Raphael Humba hailed Mwenda for unveiling his manifesto.
“We are happy that Mwenda has launched the manifesto. It is an honour for us to be invited for the launch and we will look into it and make a decision,” he said.
Fam Second Vice President, Othani e l Hara, National Youth Football Association Chairperson, Chimango Munthali, Fam Executive Committee member, Jabber Alide and other high profile officials graced the event.
National Women’s Football Association Chairperson, Sugzo Ngwira and Fam Executive Committee member Daudi Mthatiko also attended the event.
Mwenda is set to compete against Fam incumbent president Walter Nyamilandu, who is seeking a fifth term in office.
Karonga United chairperson Alufeyo Chipanga, former Fam vice president Moses Mkandawire and Vingula Balala are some of the aspirants for the presidency.
Mthathiko and Alide will go head-to-head for the position of First Vice President whereas Hara and Lameck Khonje are eyeing the position of second Vice President.
Several people including Mohammed Selemani, Rashid Ntelera, Felister Dossi and Masiya Nyasulu have expressed interest in contesting for the position of executive committee members.
