Malawi Football Official Calls for Merit-Based Regional Election Choices
These elections mark a significant transition period for Malawian football as it implements broader reforms under new FAM leadership.
SALIMA, Malawi— Former Football Association of Malawi official Casper Jangale urged regional football affiliates to prioritise competence over patronage in the upcoming February elections, writes Joseph Chalera.
Jangale, the association's former club licencing and compliance manager, emphasised the importance of aligning leadership choices with FAM President Fleetwood Haiya's "Transforming the Game" initiative.
"We have had leaders in positions who have served the game for a long time, but they offered nothing," Jangale said.
"This must not repeat itself."
The elections will cover all four regional football associations: Southern, Central, newly established Eastern, and Northern regions.
FAM has mandated that all elections be completed by March 2025.
Jangale criticised past election practices, particularly the manipulation of voters. "
I should condemn the practice of hiding or kidnapping affiliates on the eve of elections," he said.
"This has resulted in people choosing wrong leaders."
The election schedule begins on February 2 in Mangochi with the Eastern Region Football Association, followed by the Southern Region on February 8.
The Central Region's election is also set for February 8, with the Northern Region concluding the process on February 15 in Mzuzu.
The Northern Region Football Association has already opened its nomination process for candidates, with other regions expected to follow suit.
These elections mark a significant transition period for Malawian football as it implements broader reforms under new FAM leadership.