Six Malawians in Cosafa committees

Council for Southern African Football Associations (Cosafa) has appointed four additional Malawian football administrators in its subcommittees.

This brings to six the number of Malawians in the committees following the appointment of FAM president Walter Nymilandu and the association’s second vice-president Orthaniel Hara in the marketing committee.

FAM first vice-president and chairperson for the association’s competitions and marketing committee Justice Jabbar Alide has been appointed in the competitions committee.

Super League of Malawi (Sulom) president Tiya Somba-Banda has been appointed as a finance committee member, Sulom executive member Charles Manyungwa is technical development subcommittee member while FAM legal adviser Wanangwa Kalua is in the appeals committee.

Justice Alide is a High Court judge while Kalua is a private practice lawyer.

This is the highest number  Malawi has had in Cosafa.

Neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Zambia have four members each in the sub committees of the 84 seats.

FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda said the appointments show that Malawi football administrators are making strides.

“The appointment of the six into Cosafa’s subcommittees is an indication of the confidence that the regional body has on us and we hope that they will use the experience and knowledge they will get in developing the game further,” he said.

Gunda said the four were nominated by FAM president Walter Nyamilandu  for Cosafa to consider them for appointment.

He said: “Cosafa does request football associations to nominate members for consideration of appointment into respective operational committees. FAM submitted the nominations against the individual’s line of operations in our local game for them to be able to contribute as well as learn from others in the process of discharging their duties.”

Cosafa deputy chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda said the new committee members will be in the positions for two terms.

Said Nyirenda: “Each association is given the Terms of Reference to guide them to choose right persons to these committees. You will note that we do specify any qualifications, but the onus is on the FA to choose capable persons who will make meaningful and constructive contributions to the development of the game in the region.”

He further said the new committees will be tasked “to make recommendations to the executive committee on football matters relating to their committee and for the progressive development of the game in the region.”

Soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda said the appointees should use their positions to help develop Malawi football.

“This is an opportunity for them to use their influence at the subcommittees such as policy changes, to advance Malawi’s interests. Otherwise, if they can’t the appointments will be meaningless,” he said.

Somba-Banda said his appointment into the subcommittees will help him gain knowledge on how to improve football back home.

He said: “It’s an honour to be recognised and asked to serve Cosafa. I take this huge responsibility with great honour and humility.”