Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu and his Super League of Malawi (Sulom) counterpart Fleetwood Haiya have confirmed interest for FAM’s hot-seat ahead of the December 16 elective assembly in Mzuzu.

Initially, they both insisted they were yet to decide, but it is now clear that they will contest for the FAM presidential post, having secured nominations from the local football governing body’s affiliates.

Nominated: Nyamilandu and Haiya

Nyamilandu got his first nomination on Sunday from Central Region Football Association (CRFA) while Haiya has so far secured three nominations from Beach Soccer Association (BSA), National Referees Association and Northern Region Football Association (NRFA).

Five more FAM affiliates are yet to announce their nominations and these are Sulom, National Women’s Football Association (NWFA), National Football Coaches Association, National Youth Football Association and Southern Region Football Association.

Yesterday, Nyamilandu was cryptic to explain whether his nomination confirms he is now ready to defend the hot seat and seek a sixth term of office.

He said: “CRFA has exercised its right of nominating a candidate of their choice. However, I will not comment much on this rather than just saying I am humbled for being nominated.”

On his part, Haiya declared his interest to contest as a presidential candidate at the FAM polls, saying his desire is driven by a shared vision and commitment to transform Malawi football and take it to greater heights.

However, he said the decision to contest has not been an easy one.

“But, having carefully examined all relevant factors, I have accepted a call from affiliates and Malawians of good will to serve as their FAM president with a desire to offer our beloved game a renewed hope, vision and purpose,” said Haiya.

He said he hopes to bring dedicated, transparent, inclusive, competent and people-centred leadership that will develop, sustain and safeguard the future of the game.

“You will agree with me that a collective duty to re-orient the state of our football into a strong and competitive footballing nation requires an accomplished football acumen and drive that place the interests of our game over and beyond personal interests,” Haiya stated.

CRFA chairperson Austin Ajawa said apart from nominating Nyamilandu for presidency, his fold has also proposed former FAM first vice-president James Mwenda for his old post while incumbent second vice-president Othaniel Hara has been earmarked to retain his seat.

On Sunday, NRFA became the third affiliate to nominate Haiya for the FAM presidential post during a press briefing Haiya organised at Grand Palace Hotel in Mzuzu.

They also nominated Christopher Kuyeri for the position of first vice-president with NRFA chairperson Lameck Khonje as second-vice president while Felistus Dossi as female executive member.

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