Malawi’s sports officials aim high in 2013
Sports administrators in Malawi have spoken of their ambitious plans in 2013 in an attempt to scale greater heights.
Youth and Sports Minister Enoch Chihana set the ball rolling when he said his biggest wish is to ensure that the modern stadium project in Lilongwe should start.
“I would also want to see to it that Kamuzu Stadium is rehabilitated and we should have proper sports facilities in all the regions. That is my dream and I believe we can achieve it with the help of the entire sports fraternity,” said Chihana.
He also said while it appears a tall order, he would like to see to it that the Flames should be a revived side.
“We also need to start planning for the 2016 Olympics to be staged in Rio,” he said.
FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said his dream is to ensure that the Flames turn the corner and qualify for the final qualification phase of the 2014 World Cup.
“I would admit that 2012 was a big disappointment in as far as the performance of the senior national team is concerned. We need to pick ourselves up and continue with the rebuilding exercise,” said Nyamilandu.
He also said he has not given up on his dream to qualify for 2014 World Cup as he pledged in his manifesto.
“It will be a tall order, but with belief, determination and proper planning, everything is possible. We are in this business optimistic that we can achieve better things for this country,” he said.
Nyamilandu also said they would like to continue with setting up grass-roots structures and come up with a sound strategic plan.
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) president Innocent Bottomani said his wish in the new year is to see that all Super League clubs have steady sponsorship.
“Would it not be good that all the teams compete at the same level while enjoying sound sponsorship? That will be my biggest challenge. I also would like to see strides in turning our clubs into commercial entities,” said Bottomani.
Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) president Rosy Chinunda said her desire is to see the Malawi national netball team, the Queens, break into the top four in world netball.
“I believe that having managed to beat teams such as England and Australia in the just-ended year, that wish is not far-fetched provided we have proper preparations and good planning,” said Chinunda.
She also said NAM would like to engage an extra gear in the search for corporate partners to help the sport grow to another level.
Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) president Godfrey Phiri said the aim is to win medals in international competitions this year.
“We need to be ambitious and compete for honours rather than just filling the numbers. The other wish is that as an association, we should find more sponsorship for athletics,” said Phiri.
