James Mwenda to unveil ‘4 pillars’

Football Association of Malawi (Fam) presidential hopeful James Mwenda is set to unveil his blue print at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Monday ahead of the elections set for December 14.

Mwenda, who is the current Fam Vice President, will become the third presidential candidate to unveil his Manifesto dubbed ‘ The 4 Pillars’ after Karonga United Chairperson, Alufeyo Chipanga and Balawala Vingula.

In an interview yesterday, Mwenda said the Four Pillars blue print was focusing on reshaping Malawi football.

“We have made wide consultations and all areas aimed at adding value to the game have been included. It is time we walk the talk and we have put measures to ensure that we move the game forward. All football loving Malawians are invited to the launch,” he said.

As per requirement of Fam statues, a candidate must get a nomination from the affiliates to be eligible to contest for any position.

Nomination process is expected to start next week. However, some affiliates have said they were waiting eagerly the launch of the manifesto for all the candidates.

Central Region Football Association of Malawi (CRFA) Vice General Secretary Antonio Manda, said his association will scrutinise all candidates before nominating.

“We expect the candidates to put issues focusing on developing football in Malawi. We will only nominate candidates who will show seriousness to improve our football standards,” Manda said.

On his part, Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) Chairperson, Raphael Humba said it was a welcome move.

“We will scrutinise the manifesto before we nominate a candidate. But we are ready to support any candidate who is willing to take football to the next level, by implementing what he or she will promise” he said.

But experience has shown that most of the affiliates do not vote based on manifesto but money influence.

On the eve of every football polls in Malawi, it is now a trend for some candidates to hide affiliates in a hiden place so that they should not meet with their opponents.

Incumbent Fam President Walter Nyamilandu already announced that he was seeking fifth term in office having been at the helm of the association for 15 years.

But according to Media Liaison Officer for Nyamilandu campaign, Kandani Ngwira, his boss would unveil manifesto soon.

“People should expect something special because Nyamilandu is going for the juggler by raising the bar to take our football to a whole new level. Nyamilandu engaged an independent firm to audit the Harvest Time and the evaluation report shows he has delivered more than 70 percent of what he promised. Nyamilandu’s achievements and high performance has left the other candidates feeling inadequate little wonder they have been praying for him not to stand again. The placards you saw at stadiums was a sign of desperation from the other candidates. This is because they know they cannot defeat Nyamilandu at the ballot on December 14,” Ngwira said.

Former Fam Vice President, Moses Mkandawire and Balawala are also contesting for the same seat.