Suzgo Nyirenda not ready for Fam top job

Tom Sangala January 12, 2019

459 1 minute read

By Mabvuto Kambuwe

Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Suzgo Nyirenda has distanced himself from reports that he is vying for the Football Association of Malawi (Fam) presidency.

Fam will go to the polls before the end of the year to elect new office bearers with incumbent president Walter Nyamilandu indicating that he would not seek re-election.

This has resulted into some administrators starting ground work in a bid to position themselves for the post.

Nyirenda, who served as the association’s general secretary for five years before taking up the Cosafa job, said he has no intention to contest for any position at Fam.

“I am told there are some affiliates gunning for me to contest in Fam elections. Big surprise to hear about that but I have, at no point, harboured any ambitions to stand for the position of president at Fam. However, I know that some people within the affiliate bodies still have found memories of how I was working and relating with them, hence their wish to have me again at Fam.
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“But as of now, I am contracted as Deputy General Secretary of Cosafa and I believe I am adding value here. However, Malawi is my home and one day I will come back to contribute to the development of football. Football is in my blood and football administration is my career,” Nyirenda explained.

However, Nyirenda said despite cultivating a good working relationship with the affiliates, he had never discussed anything with them regarding Fam elections.

“I believe I am also assisting quite a lot in football development despite working here at Cosafa. I am always in touch with some Exco and secretariat members at Fam. We share ideas on a regular basis. One day, I want to come back home and serve in any capacity for the good of our game,” he added.

Southern Region Football Association Chairperson Raphael Humba said no candidate has approached them for the polls.

“We are ready to work with anyone who will add value to our football. As affiliates, we want leaders with a vision to develop the game and also address the challenges we face,” Humba said.

Reports indicate that first vice president James Mwenda is eyeing the position of Fam presidency. But when contacted Friday, Mwenda was elusive, saying: “I will make my position clear shortly.”

Nyamilandu has insisted that he would not seek re-election at the end of his fourth term. But he has, on several occasions, contested after earlier stating that he would not.

The association recently amended its constitution during an Annual General Meeting in Mangochi, a move that made Nyamilandu eligible to contest again.

However, the Fam boss was not readily available for comment Friday.