By Mabvuto Kambuwe and Mphatso Malidadi
Newly elected Football Association of Malawi (Fam) President Fleetwood Haiya has said his leadership will leave no stone unturned in a mission to transform the game in the country.
He made the remarks after being elected Fam president having defeated Walter Nyamilandu by 23 votes to 13 during the Elective General Meeting at Sunbird Mzuzu Hotel on Saturday.
Haiya, who immediately resigned as Super League of Malawi (Sulom) president after he ascended to Fam top seat, said his committee has no time to waste as Malawians have high expectations in the new leadership.
“There is no time to sleep. We have a huge task ahead of us. Malawians expect results and they expect them immediately. I am eager to work with all the stakeholders to elevate our game to the next level,” Haiya said.
Haiya is expected to meet Fam executive committee, staff and all affiliates in the coming days to discuss the priorities and strategies in line with his manifesto titled Transforming the Game.
In addition, he is also expected to meet government officials, corporate world and other stakeholders.
According to Haiya, he will continue with other projects of the immediate past committee.
“Walter [Nyamilandu] laid strong foundations and I promise not to break them but to continue building transformative super structure over it,” he said.
Haiya, who promised serve maximum of two terms, ended Nyamilandu’s 19- year reign as Fam president.
In his reaction on Saturday, Nyamilandu congratulated Haiya for winning the race.
“Let football to grow. I wish the new committee well and they will bring new ideas. I am leaving with a peaceful heart and I have left the game in a very good state,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sulom General Secretary Williams Banda said Haiya’s departure to Fam will not destabilise the association as it adopted his manifesto which was aimed at reviving, reforming, and rebranding the league.
“We operate as an institution as such Sulom executive committee adopted his [Haiya’s] manifesto. We are implementing as one body so we will carry on the plan as an association,” Banda said.
During the EGM, Madalitso Kuyera was elected First Vice President after defeating James Mwenda by 19 votes to 17 after three rounds of voting.
Lameck Khonje was elected Second Vice President after beating Othaniel Hara by 21 to 15 votes.
Fellister Dossi was elected as female executive committee member.
Patrick Kapanga, Daudi Mtathiko, Bernard Chiwiriwiri Harawa and Chimango Munthali were elected committee members.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire has congratulated Haiya for winning the local football body hot seat.
“We put Malawi first and I believe this was the will of the people so I am happy for Fleetwood Haiya and the people of Malawi. I am confident that Malawi football will excel with Haiya taking from the foundations that Walter has laid,” Mkandawire said.
Sports analyst George Kaudza-Masina urged the new leadership to perform according to expectations.
“Affiliates have spoken and change was what most affiliates and the soccer family were looking for. Football has won and no honeymoon for Haiya and his committee,” Kaudza Masina said.
