New sports minister pledges to lobby for increased funding
Newly appointed Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire has said he is aware that local sporting activities and associations suffer from lack of funds.
The Karonga South parliamentarian has replaced Richard Chimwendo Banda, who is now Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture.
President Lazarus Chakwera, in exercising powers conferred upon him by Section 94(1) of the Malawi Constitution, appointed a new Cabinet on Februay 1.
Mkandawire, speaking in an interview yesterday, said he needed time to consult respective departments within his portfolio to come out with clear plans and goals.
“Obviously I am excited about the appointment and very grateful to his excellency the State President Dr Lazarus Chakwera and look forward to doing great things at the ministry.
“Currently, I think the sports sector is facing funding and poor infrastructure challenges. I will make sure I lobby for adequate resources,” Mkandawire, who said he is more conversant with transport and public works, said.
Meanwhile, sporting associations have welcomed Mkandawire.
Football Association of Malawi President Walter Nyamilandu pledged to support the new minister.
“We would like to warmly welcome the new minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Uchizi Mkandawire, to football and sports in general. We would like to assure him of our support in the quest to make Malawi football a shining star within the African continent and beyond.
“We remain at his disposal to collaborate and share insights with him into how we can scale the game of football to greater heights,” Nyamilandu said.
Netball Association of Malawi Vice President Chimwemwe Bakali said they were hopeful that Mkandawire will ensure that the Malawi National Netball Team is well supported.
“Nam welcomes his appointment. The expectation is that the promise made by the ministry to fully support the Queens in the World Cup activities is maintained. We are looking forward to working with Hon Uchizi Mkandawire. The outgoing minister has left a mark in netball through the sourcing of Salima Sugar National League [sponsorship] and we hope for more from the new minister,” he said. Meanwhile, Chimwendo Banda has asked stakeholders to support the new youth and sports minister.
