FAM hopeful outlines 15 goals in manifesto rollout
Haiya will challenge Nyamilandu for the post in the Dec. 16 election in Mzuzu.
LILONGWE, Malawi- Football Association of Malawi (FAM) presidential candidate Fleetwood Haiya on Saturday launched 15 strategic goals in his manifesto at BICC in Lilongwe, marking the official start of his campaign to land the domestic top post, writes Alinafe Nyanda.
In his address, Haiya declared "my time has come to lead the football governing body" and promised to institute major reforms to "restore integrity and confidence" among stakeholders as a first step to "get the game back on its feet."
Among his priorities, Haiya will seek to design a player export strategy for Malawi, introduce regional and division leagues in all regions to increase competitiveness, and ensure each region has vehicles.
The flamboyant business tycoon also revealed plans to transform the standard of sport in Malawi for the better, saying he will "take care of main actors who are players and administration."
"We will make sure that players welfare is improved and that our legends are honored. We will look after them," Haiya said.
"We are going to introduce a national beach soccer league and promote the sport in the process by linking it with the tourism ministry."
Haiya added, "We should restart our football from primary school and work with district sports officers and legends to transform the sport. I will not exceed 10 years to do this - hold me accountable for these 15 goals."
Unlike rival Walter Nyamilandu, who launched his manifesto days earlier, Haiya's event featured Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu, Minister of Local Government Richard Chimwendo Banda, MDF Commander, traditional leaders and sports administrators.
Haiya will challenge Nyamilandu for the post in the Dec. 16 election in Mzuzu.