Walter congratulates successor, Motsepe

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu has congratulated his Fifa council successor Nigerian Pinnick Melvin Amaju for emerging winner.

Amaju overwhelmingly saw off Nyamilandu by 43 votes against eight at the 43rd Confederation of African Football (CAF) elective general assembly in Rabat, Morocco on Friday.

Nyamilandu, who arrived from Morocco yesterday, said: “As I reflect on the outcome, allow me to wholeheartedly congratulate Pinnick Melvin Amaju for emerging victorious. I say thumbs up for playing your cards right.”

He also said he made the elections worthwhile “because a no contest would have been dull”.

Nyamilandu said: “Though I was defeated, I did my best as the incumbent to defend my position and to withstand the test of time and I have no regrets. After all is said, I can proudly say I fought a good fight.”

The FAM president has also congratulated the new CAF president South African business mogul Patrice Motsepe for being ushered in unopposed.

“It was indeed an honour to interact with you during the campaign. I wish you nothing but the best and be assured of my support as president of FAM.

“I look forward to closely collaborating with you in the spirit of achieving meaningful progress.

“As the journey continues, Iam determined to defy the odds by exploring new opportunities and confronting new challenges in life,” reads part of the statement.

Football analyst George Kaudza Masina said while Nyamilandu was justified to defend his position, it was clear that he faced a tall order.

He said: “The writing was on the wall as some of the member associations from his Cosafa bloc openly supported the Nigerian.

“And with the other Fifa Council seat having been taken up by Motsepe, it was clear that the other one would go to other blocs.

“But it is good that he has accepted defeat, but he needs to do some soul-searching on the way forward.”