Confusion ahead of NAM elections
The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) will today conduct its elective assembly at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi but confusion has emerged over the list of presidential candidates.
While the official list indicates that former general secretary (GS) Hellene Mpinganjira-Tasosa will battle for the hot seat against Southern Region Netball League (SRNL) chairperson Khungekile Matiya, who also contested during the last elections four years ago, however, Matiya argues she is interested in the vice-president post.
NAM GS Carol Bapu said yesterday that the vice-presidency will be contested for by the current vice-president Chimwemwe Kachingwe and Southern Region Netball Committee (SRNC) chairperson Judith Chalusa.
“Mpinganjira-Tasosa will be up against Matiya in the battle for the position of president. That is what the official list indicates,” Bapu said.
But Matiya had this to say: “I applied for the post of vice-president and what I know is that I will compete for that position against Chalusa.”
There had been a veil of secrecy in the run up to the elections with most of the candidates only declaring their interest two days ago for fear of being betrayed as was the case in the previous polls when purported friends leaked vital information pertaining to the electorates.
In spite of that, Mpinganjira-Tasosa said she will contest for the presidency so as to uplift netball standards from the grass roots.
Mpinganjira-Tasosa said: “I would like to make the game enjoyable by all and bring back the glorious days when Malawi Queens could not play second fiddle to any African team.”
Bapu has been challenged by renowned umpire Faggie Mwalweni while former Malawi Queens’ shooter Linda Magombo-Munthali is interested in vice-general secretary post alongside Brian Gausi and Mafco Netball Club official Daniel Nyirenda.
Incumbent vice-treasurer Jane Kachali is geared to contest for the post of treasurer against Central Region Netball League (CRNL) chairperson Charity Malango whereas Charity Mhango, Agnes Chaima and Tamara Fweta will tussle for the vice-treasurer seat.
Central Region Netball Committee (CRNC) chairperson Fanuel Katengeza, who is one of the voters, said they expect the new executive committee to promote the sport in districts where a few people have knowledge as regards administration and umpiring.
He also emphasised the need to go deep into the grass roots where they can ably nurture talents so as not to struggle when finding players’ replacements in the national team.
“We also need infrastructure such as standard netball courts starting from the district level. In that way, we would be able to host big European teams,” he said.
