Manda, Kuyera in Election Battle
Meanwhile, as the nomination deadline for the FAM elections approaches on Thursday, 16 November, several potential candidates have emerged, vying for various positions next month in Mzuzu.
Mzuzu, Malawi-In a televised briefing, incumbent Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu Manda announced his intention to seek re-election in the upcoming polls on December 16, write Victor Musongole and Alinafe Nyanda.
This decision follows calls from football stakeholders for him to continue his tenure.
Manda highlighted the achievements of his ‘raising the bar’ campaign, which included progress in the FAM District League, Castel Challenge Cup, and Beach Soccer, which qualified for the African Cup in Mozambique.
He also mentioned the triumph of the National Women Football team, the Scorchers, in 2023, and the commercialization of football through Mpira TV.
Other accomplishments under his leadership include the construction of Mpira village with a good ground and hostels, and support for players during the COVID-19 era.
Manda emphasized that his next move is to see football going forward as they are also in course to finish the Luwinga Academy.
“I don’t fail. I’m a goal-getter. I don’t give up easily, so come December 16, affiliates should not miss their vote,” Manda added.
Following this announcement, Manda will face Sulom President Fleetwood Haiya, who also announced last week that he will be vying for the football governing body presidency.
Meanwhile, as the nomination deadline for the FAM elections approaches on Thursday, 16 November, several potential candidates have emerged, vying for various positions next month in Mzuzu.
Among them is Christopher Madalitso Kuyera, a former Mighty Mukuru Wanderers official and FAM’s executive member, who has confirmed his intention to run for the first vice president post at the football governing body.
Kuyera has so far managed to receive nominations from three member associations, which boosts his quest to uplift the local game.
He believes the approval rate shows that members of the associations have confidence and trust in him.
“So far, I have received nominations from three member associations. Four have presented their nominations, and I happen to get three out of the four. It shows that the approval rate is very high, but that does not translate to votes. I need to get down to business to make sure that I sell myself to the people and get votes that will propel me to get the position,” said Kuyera.
Lilongwe-based sports analyst and former Flames player Willy Chabwinja says Kuyera, who once served as treasurer for the Southern regional football association, presents the biggest challenge to other candidates vying for the same position.
According to Chabwinja, the next five days will be hectic, with some making the final decision to throw their names into the hat or shy away from contesting in the elections.