Last hope
Be Forward Wanderers are banking their hopes on former vice-chairperson Simon Sikwese for the position of chairperson after being rebuffed by three other high-profile figures.
With three days before the polls, the Nomads are in frantic search for the executive committee leader after being rebuffed by Nico Holdings plc managing director Vizenge Kumwenda, who once served as treasurer, Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services’ director general Masauko Medi and Standard Bank head of personal and business banking Phillip Madinga, who also starred for the Nomads in the 1990s.
Recently, the club’s outgoing chairperson Gift Mkandawire also rejected the Nomads’ plea to reconsider his decision not to seek re-election.
The Nomads’ main supporters committee chairperson Melvin Nkunika yesterday confirmed the development, saying they were supposed to conclude talks with Sikwese yesterday.
He said: “For now, we are banking on him [Sikwese] because we are running out of time. I gather from the delegation that went to meet him that they had fruitful discussions.
“But we will have a clear picture on his final position later today [yesterday] because they are supposed to have a follow-up meeting with him.”
Sikwese yesterday confirmed meeting a delegation from Wanderers, but was quick to point out that nothing had been finalised yet.
He said: “They indeed approached me, but there are still a few things that we need to look into.
“I gave them some conditions if I am to commit my candidature. We need to do things orderly… There is need for transparency in the way we operate. So, by the end of the day [yesterday], I should have a clear picture.”
In the past, high-profile figures in society used to scramble for the Nomads’ top seat, but that is no longer the case.
The club’s former chairperson Humphrey Mvula said the Nomads’ situation is clear testimony that the club has lost direction.
“It is sad that an institution like Wanderers, which has millions of followers, is failing to attract or indeed find suitable candidates for the top seat,” he said.
Mvula said this was not surprising because the standards at Lali Lubani Road have gone down.
Meanwhile, the club’s former team manager Stevie Madeira has withdrawn his interest to vie for the position of general secretary (GS).
He said: “After giving it a thought, I have just decided to support the people that will contest. Nothing more.”
Nkunika confirmed Madeira’s withdrawal, saying the development means current team manager Victor Maunde has no contender as of now.
He also said as of yesterday, incumbent second vice-chairperson Allan Chuma was the only candidate for the post of first vice-chairperson while Andrew Mwadala and Coxley Kamange have shown interest to vie for the second vice-chairperson post. Lilongwe-based Adelaide Migogo has been earmarked for the position of vice-general secretary Dave Pemba whereas Mphatso Jika are reportedly eyeing the position of treasurer.
