Youth football boss won’t seek re-election

National Youth Football Association (NYFA) chairperson Mabvuto Missi says he will not seek re-election when the association goes to polls in November.

Missi said he has decided not to contest for the position of chairperson to give a chance to others to contribute towards the development of youth football.

He said: “I am happy to have contributed something that people can see with their eyes. I have laid a foundation of youth football and let others build on that foundation.”

Missi, who joined the youth football committee as treasurer in 2007 and served as vice-chairperson before becoming chairperson, said his executive’s biggest achievement is the establishment of the Under-20 league.

“I am leaving having seen the league growing from strength to strength,” he said.

He thanked his executive for withstanding challenges they faced.

“I stood on my feet to ensure the FMB Youth Football League grows to where it is today. I never abandoned it when we had no sponsors and I had people who supported me regardless of their status.

“The likes of Isaac Osman, Otile Kalulu, Griffin Saenda Jnr, Joseph Semu, Joel Magola, Dan Makiyi, Mr Longwe, Mwawi Mwanza and Masiye Nyasulu in Mzuzu not forgetting Tiyenkhu Chavura and Alfred Lungu, stood by me.

“I was their leader, not their boss and we worked together to put structures you are seeing today. The one coming should expand the league to other districts. The Under-17 league is already there and plans are there for Presidential Cup to be a developmental competition,” he said.

Meanwhile, nominations are underway, according to Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda.

The GS said the final list would be released after verification by FAM on eligibility. n