Since Walter Nyamilandu was voted into office as FAM president 15 years ago, he has had no challenger from within the association’s executive committee during subsequent polls.
His first vice-president James Mwenda’s decision to come out of his shell and declare interest to vie for the hot seat could, therefore, be a breath of fresh air which could change the perception that the football governing body’s exco has, over the years, been reduced to a bunch of ‘madeya’ (chaff).
Some of the benefits that FAM exco members enjoy include foreign trips as leaders of delegation for national teams and external travel allowance that go with it
A five-course meal, rare dips in bath tubs in contrast to kusamba ndi madzi a m’chidebe back home and, of course, a sound sleep in the comfort of a five-star hotel in foreign land and selfies they take while having a blast to impress ‘baes’ and friends on social media, are certainly not benefits they can risk losing by getting into Walter’s way.
But credit should go to James for sticking out his neck for a potential showdown against his boss even if it means losing all these benefits.
To my good friend Walter, knowing when to leave the stage is vital. These are not life positions papa. Siufumu uwu and to quote one Saulos Chilima ndizosiyilana zinthuzi (there is time for everything). I recently saw a photo of Walter which went viral on social media, spotting a DPP beret and jelasi down, it fitted him well and perhaps positioning himself to take over from Adadi in 2024 wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Preparing himself to challenge his boss Gianni Infantino for the Fifa presidency would be a better option than seeking a fifth term at FAM. After all, everything has a beginning and an ending. Every bird that flies has to land at some point and every plane in the sky has to touch down. It’s about time. Uloliwe uloliwe wayidudula neng’asiza hah! (Oh yes, the train is pushing). Glory be to God.
