Kondi joins Walter’s fifth term bid critics

Former Nyasa Big Bullets chairperson Kondi Msungama has joined critics opposing FAM president Walter Nyamilandu’s fifth term bid.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) will hold its elective annual general meeting (AGM) on December 14 in Mangochi

In an interview on Wednesday, Msungama described Nyamilandu’s latest bid as a mockery to Malawi football, saying the country has more capable people who can develop the sport to greater heights.

The former Super League of Malawi (Sulom) executive committee member also said it would do Nyamilandu good if he left the stage now other than being forced out at a later stage.

“My advice to Nyamilandu is that he should not seek another term of office. He has done his part.

“There are equally capable people who can do better,” said Msungama, adding that despite some positives on the part of infrastructure development, national football teams have struggled under Nyamilandu’s tenure.

“I am aware that some affiliates would want him to continue as FAM president “for life” at the expenses of our game,” he said.

Nyamilandu, who is a Fifa Council member, is, among other candidates expected to face his first vice-president James Mwenda, who declared his interest to vie for the position in July.

His other possible contenders are Karonga United chairperson Alufeyo Chipanga Banda, immediate past former FAM first vice-president Moses Mkandawire and Balawala Vingula.

But all aspiring candidates will have to be nominated by FAM’s nine affiliates and also fulfil the association’s requirements for their names to appear on the ballot.

Reacting to Msungama’s call, Nyamilandu’s spokesperson Kandani Ngwira said the law allows Nyamilandu to contest and seek re-election.

“Nyamilandu is simply fulfilling the law to the book. Those who are saying he should not stand again are scared.

“He will win because he has the requisite experience, very competent at delivering what he has promised and has the right connections at international level being Fifa Council member, a position that will help improve our football to another level,” he said

Ngwira said Nyamilandu’s achievements, include implementing vibrant youth football development programmes and restoring the confidence and trust of the private sector resulting in sponsorship deals.

“He has inculcated corporate governance ethos at FAM resulting in financial discipline, smooth administration, employment of well-educated and specialised personnel at FAM as per international requirements. He has also built a new national team which is playing systematic football that has resulted in Malawi reaching the group stages of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers,” he said.