As election fever is up in the air, some football legends have spoken for the first time ahead of Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) slated for next week in Mzuzu City.
The battle for Fam presidency is a two-horse race between incumbent Fam President Walter Nyamilandu and Super League of Malawi President Fleetwood Haiya.
In random interviews with some football legends, they admitted that next week’s polls will be one of the most highly contested in the history of football in Malawi. Former Flames midfielder Ernest ‘Wire’ Mtawali said he anticipates a change of leadership at Fam.
“I do not have any problem with the current leadership but I think we need to see new people for the good of the game. I have seen when there is change there is improvement,” Mtawali, who is based in South Africa, said.
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In his personal capacity, former Flames coach Kinnah Phiri, who is Malawi’s all-time leading goal scorer with 71 goals, said it was high time Fam leadership changed.
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“Honestly, everyone is looking for change. I believe that if Fam leadership changes, it will be a step in the right direction,” Kinnah said.
Former Flames captain Joseph Kamwendo, who was part of the team that qualified for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola, said he was following the elections with keen interest.
“I have huge respect for both Walter and Haiya as they have a good history in football administration. I will be comfortable with any of the two administrators,” Kamwendo said.
Another legend Peterkins Kayira said this will be a landmark election in the history of Malawi football.
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“I will liken this Fam election to the 1994 General Elections. People need change. But the will of the people might not be respected because there are only 36 people who will vote,” Kayira said.
Nyamilandu was yet to respond to our questionnaire as we went to press Sports analyst Parry Chinyama differed with the football legends.
“Let us not change for the sake of changing. Let us exercise caution,” Chinyama said.
Madalitso Kuyera and James Mwenda are competing for the position of first vice president whereas Lameck Khonje and Othaniel Hara were nominated for the position of second vice president.
