For the first time in many years, Mighty Wanderers FC yesterday held peaceful elections for the main supporters committee at their clubhouse in Chichiri, Blantyre.
In the past, Nomads elections, in particular those involving supporters, have been associated with ugly scenes, but it was a different atmosphere yesterday when the Nomads faithful ushered in a new committee led by DinesiChitsulo.
Chitsulo amassed an overwhelming 323 votes against his contender CoxleyKamange’s 25.
Former secretary Felix Njaya and tresurerAnivaNjobvuDominic, saw the sky fall on them when they lost to Paul Mphepo and ChifuniroChilambe respectively.
Chitsulo, who got a defeaning applause when he was declared winner by electoral college secretary Henry Chibowa, said his immediate task will be to bring back sanity among Wanderers supporters.
“In recent years, Wanderers [supporters] have been associated with nasty scenes of hooliganism and violence. We want to stop all that nonsense.
“We also intend to step up the membership drive to generate funds for the team.
The membership drive will also help us identify genuine Wanderers supporters because there are others who take advantage of situations to dent the image of the team,” said Chitsulo.
Kamange described the elections as free and fair.
“There were some minor hitches here and there, but it is no big issue. I pledge my support to the new committee,” he said.
Chibowa, the club’s trustees vice-chairperson James Chuma, FAM and Sulom representatives DaudiMtanthiko and lieutenant Dave Gondwe described the polls as free and fair.
Chibowa hailed the supporters for conducting themselves in a gentle manner as well as paying K1 500 each membership fee.
He said it was encouraging that over 1 000 supporters have so far registered as members, saying funds realised from the membership fees will help to run the affairs of the team.
James Chiutsankhondo was elected first vice-chairperson unopposed while Melvin Nkunika was voted second vice-chairperson after beating Moffat KabekabeChan’gambika. Foster Phiri was elected vice-treasurer.
The following were elected committee members Jimmy Smith, OdilloKailedzi, Olive Kandota, Stevie Master and Doff Bottoman.
