Super League of Malawi (SULOM) President Fleetwood Haiya unveiled his 15-point manifesto for the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) presidency on Saturday as he looks to replace incumbent president Walter Nyamilandu as the head of Malawian football and transforming the game in the process.
Revealing his plans at Bingu International Conference Center, in Lilongwe, he gave a first glimpse of his vision for Malawian football in the presence of affiliates, Super League teams representatives; Malawi football legends, Kinnah Phiri and Peterkins Kaira; Hon Moses Kumkuyu, Minister of Information and digitalization; Minister of Local Government, Richard Chimwendo Banda and other top Government officials.
Central to Haiya’s vision is his desire to transform the game by improving standards of Malawian football and being transparent and accountable that has been a challenge during Nyamilandu’s 19-year tenure at the helm of FAM.
“I want to transform our game,” Haiya said in launching his manifesto, setting the tone for a positive vision for Malawian football.
“Firstly we are talking of technical development knowing that football is technical so we are going to improve on technical Development”
“We are talking of building capacity for coaches and referees”
“We also talking about making collaboration with Malawi Schools Sports Association and tertiary education sports association so that we start developing football from schools. But also talents can be identified at community level so we are going to work with district sports officers to make sure that we identify talents from all those sectors” said Haiya
Underpinning Haiya’s manifesto, the SULOM President outlined his intention of bringing transparency and accountability to the game.
“Days are gone where by FAM is not accountable, FAM is not transparent. Under my administration I will make sure that all the monies that we received from all sponsors, FIFA, CAF and all partners is going to be brought in public so that we should be accountable and transparent in our dealings”
Haiya also revealed intentions of improving welfare of footballers when elected
“We will make sure to take care of main actors who are players and administrators. We will improve players welfare, players will be covered at a medical scheme and again taking care of our legends”
“I will make sure that we improve welfare of our players, clubs will be receiving a minimum of K20 Million from Super League.
“Also the gate takings by clubs will increase up to the minimum of 60 percent starting from next season and making sure that super League sponsorship should be at a minimum of K500 million”
He also talked about collaborating with Government to seal deals with foreign countries where players will be exported.
The former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Chief Executive Officer, also promised to improve football infrastructure.
According to Haiya, if he gets into power, it will be a must for Super League games to use E-ticketing.
Apart from the current regional leagues, Haiya has promised to introduce national division league.
“We will introduce Regional Leagues in all regions to make it very competitive. We will also introduce a National division league where vehicles will be provided in each regions”
In women’s football he said: “I want to uplift women’s football, they have given us the only trophy in 19 years. It’s sad that they have not received their bonuses but when iam in power I’ll make sure that we invest in women’s with capacity building, I will find sponsors for womens football league and their annual subvention will be increased”
Haiya did not skip Beach Soccer where he also made several promises.
“I’ll promote beach Soccer by linking it with tourism ministry, we will maintain the quality of our players and introduce National Beach Soccer League” he added
The affiliates from football different associations will take to the ballots on December 16, 2023 to elect next president of FAM between Haiya and Walter Nyamilandu.
