They say you appreciate the depth of a well when it is dry. Some say the evil that men commit live after them. Either way, there are some officials who miss most domestic mainstream football administration or it is the football fraternity that misses the former administrators.
SportsXtra tracked down some of the big-name football administrators in Malawi hoping to learn from lessons gained from the perspective of an ordinary soccer follower.
There were football officials who were synonymous with the game that it is hard to imagine they are now on the fringes of the football boardroom. Some are completely forgotten.
Chris Kamphinda Banda
We turn the hands of time in visiting Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary Chris Kamphinda Banda, a man who was notorious for his uncompromising stance with the media, treating them to one-word answers.
A man of few words and firm believer in diplomacy and discipline, Kamphinda served as FAM GS under the presidency of the late Amos Kainja, then John Zingale before paving the way for Roosevelt Mpinganjira in 2004.
Now working as an administrator at Mulli Brothers Limited in Blantyre, Kamphinda on Saturday said life outside football was interesting as he is able to compare his tenure with the present.
“Otherwise, I am available to assist. Do not forget that I am a qualified football administrators instructor. It is interesting when some people approach you asking why you are not assisting when things are going wrong in football,†said Kamphinda.
Hastings Kapenuka
While he said he was not completely lost to Malawi football administration, veteran football administrator Hastings Kapenuka said the beautiful game is a closed book.
It seems Kapenuka is convinced his career in football ran its full course having played for Admarc Tigers, served as Telecom Wanderers team manager, Super League Association of Malawi (Sulom) president, FAM executive committee member, then until last year, Southern Region Football League (SRFL) chairperson.
“It was long overdue [retirement]. I am devoting my time and energy working as parish chairperson for 10 CCAP churches in Blantyre, including Limbe CCAP. Life is sweet. No more pressure,†said Kapenuka who lost his SRFL seat to Trouble Kalua.
Henry Chibowa
It is not only Kapenuka who is relieved living without added pressure associated with football. Henry Chibowa, too, is recharging his batteries after that bruising FAM presidential election that ended with his loss to Walter Nyamilandu on December 17 2011 in Salima.
If you believe the former Super League of Malawi (Sulom) president, the experience of now being able to touch base with ordinary football fans could make him a better football administrator.
“I really do not miss anything as I am in touch with the current administrators. It is a plus as I am writing a sports administration book. What I have noted outside the game is that most administrators tolerate being managed,†said Chibowa.
Julius Mithi
Belonging to Chibowa camp during last year’s FAM elections cost many executive committee positions; the most notable being Julius Mithi; a vocal man who was never afraid to speak out his mind on football matters. His militant stance is being missed at FAM, but proved costly.
“Life is fine. Let me get a breather and reflect as to whether it would be in the interest of everyone to go back into these committees. But it will not be soon,†said Mithi, claiming he is now Wanderers executive committee member for the North.
Charles Nyirenda
Mithi was as media friendly as former FAM chief executive officer Charles Nyirenda, who on Saturday insisted being outside the game’s management would not enrich his skills as he was a qualified administrator before going into football.
“[On lessons] I would improve my working relationship with people like you Kanjere. I would not call you an agent of evil,†he said quoting what he told this reporter in 2008, suggesting I was being sent to destroy FAM.
“If one has completely nothing to do, it is easy to feel empty because football is intense. If one served during a successful period like was my case, it is painful [being outside] in view of what is happening in Malawi football.â€
McCollings Chibvunde
Another football administrator, McCollings Chibvunde, in 2010 told Weekend Nation that having completed his bachelors’ degree as a mature student at Chancellor College, he was eyeing a master’s degree.
Well, they say in life never say never. While some of the football officials are gone for good, others could after all, be back. Let us hope they will come better and develop Malawi football.
