Nomads say no to exco-member resignation
Be Forward Wanderers have pleaded with their executive committee member John Gawanani Banda to reverse his decision to step down.
Banda issued his resignation letter to the Lali Lubani Road outfit on Tuesday, citing personal reasons, but the Nomads general secretary Mike Butao yesterday said they cannot afford to lose him, especially “in these trying times”.
The resignation comes a few days after the Nomads’ fans through their main supporters’ committee chairperson Melvin Nkunika demanded the outfit’s executive committee to fire the Bob Mpinganjira-led coaching panel due to poor performance after the side lost 0-1 to Silver Strikers in Airtel Top 8 quarter-final first-leg at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Saturday.
Butao said: “Actually, I have just had a long conversation with him trying to understand his reasons and urging him that, at this time when the team appears not to have started the season well, it is important to stick together. We hope after that discussion, he will rescind his decision.”
He described Banda as one of the most committed members in the 15-strong executive committee and that his absence will have a negative effect on their 2019 campaign.
“We only remain with a few months before we hold the next executive committee elections early next year and it will be fair if he sees out his mandate as by then the work pressure would be reduced,” Butao said.
“His position is not as demanding as those of us and we believe he can still be with us and commit whatever time he can have to the club while doing his personal business.”
But in an interview yesterday, Banda said he has made up his mind as his personal business now demands a lot of time for travels.
In a letter dated April 30, 2019 and addressed to Butao, Banda wrote: “I regret to inform you that I am resigning from my position immediately for personal reasons.
“My last day is tomorrow
[yesterday]. I know this is unexpected, but I am happy to assist you in the replacement process to help alleviate the transition. I will miss both players and supporters alike.”
However, both Banda and Butao insisted that his resignation has nothing to do with the recent controversies at Wanderers.
Banda’s exit means Wanderers has Victor Maunde, Marriot Phambana, Hopeson Wawanya, Tango Ngalawa, Hendrix Chabwera, Samuel Chikampana, Wendy Kavalo and Pemphero Nkumba as ordinary executive committee members. Gift Mkandawire is the chairperson while Allan Chuma, Hubert Mfune, Butao, Robert Mbedza and Davie Pemba are vice-chairperson, second vice-chairperson, general secretary, treasurer and vice-treasurer, respectively.
