The Atlas Malawi

Tag: FAM

  • FAM pours ‘Walter’ on Nyamilandu appeal

    FAM pours ‘Walter’ on Nyamilandu appeal

    In a seismic twist ahead of the December 16, 2023, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Executive Committee elections, the current FAM President, Walter Nyamilandu, has faced a setback as his appeal against the nomination of Fleetwood Haiya has been rebuffed by the FAM Electoral Appeals Committee.


    Nyamilandu, a former Flames defender who has steered the ship of Malawian football for a staggering 19-years, finds himself entangled in a dispute after he challenged not only the legitimacy of a fellow candidate but also the very procedures guiding the electoral process.


    On November 24, 2023, Nyamilandu lodged an appeal, contending that it was within the stipulated timeframe as per the FAM Elections Committee’s press release to lodge an appeal against the nomination of Fleetwood Haiya.


    However, the Electoral Appeal Committee has rebuffed the incumbent FAM boss arguing that the appeal runs foul of Article 12(2) of the FAM Electoral Code, insisting it should have been submitted by November 21, 2023.


    “Rules are the foundation of any democratic process, and we must adhere to them. The Electoral Code is clear, and we cannot deviate from its provisions,” emphasized a member of the Electoral Appeal Committee in response to Nyamilandu’s claims.


    “We disagree. FAM Elections Committee has no powers to change the FAM Electoral Code; faced with this apparent conflict between the Press Release and the FAM Electoral code, Mr. Walter Nyamilandu Manda knew or ought to have known that the Press release must yield to the Electoral Code,” added the Electoral Appeal Committee.


    This clash between the seasoned leader and the electoral machinery of FAM not only adds a layer of complexity to the impending elections but also prompts a broader reflection on the governance and democratic processes within the association.


    “Mr. Walter Nyamilandu Manda’s appeal has fallen foul of Article 12 (2) of the FAM Electoral Code. He ought to have filed his appeal on or before the 21st November 2023. This appeal is dismissed,” concluded the Electoral Appeal Committee, solidifying their stance on the matter.


    “All indications are that Malawi football is not the cusp of change and as we navigate this situation, we must ensure that our electoral processes are robust, transparent, and fair,” remarked Peter Kumwenda, a prominent football journalist, highlighting the broader implications of the current dispute.


    As the football community awaits the December 16 elections, the denial of Nyamilandu’s appeal introduces an element of uncertainty into the trajectory of FAM’s leadership. The response from Nyamilandu and his supporters, as well as the broader implications for the future of Malawian football administration, remain uncertain.


    This momentous juncture underscores the need for a careful examination of FAM’s electoral framework and its alignment with contemporary principles of transparency and fairness.

    Regardless of the outcome, the events unfolding in the lead-up to the elections mark a watershed moment in the history of football governance in Malawi.


    In response to recent developments, Haiya, campaigning under the theme of transforming the game, has announced that following the dismissal of the appeal, he will be issuing a press release.


    “Some battles belong to the Lord,” he added, infusing a sense of faith and resilience into the situation.

  • Fleetwood Haiya: Charting a new course for Malawi football

    Fleetwood Haiya: Charting a new course for Malawi football

    In a momentous turn of events, Fleetwood Haiya, a stalwart of Malawi football, has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the presidency of the Football Association of Malawi (FAM).

    Scheduled for December 16, 2023, the electoral showdown in Mzuzu will see Haiya take on the incumbent, Walter Nyamilandu, in a bid to reshape the landscape of Malawi football.

    Haiya’s announcement came during a press conference held at the Grand Place Hotel in Mzuzu on November 5, 2023. His decision to vie for the FAM presidency was rooted in a thorough examination of relevant factors and a heartfelt acceptance of the call from affiliates and Malawians at large, who recognize in him the potential to serve as a transformative leader.

    “I seek to bring dedicated, transparent, inclusive, competent, and people-centered leadership to develop, sustain, and safeguard the future of our game,” Haiya declared during the press conference.

    “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 places the interest of our game over and beyond personal interests and gains.”

    Haiya’s candidacy has gained substantial momentum, with five key nominations from influential delegates representing the electoral college at Mpira House.

    These endorsements include the Northern Region Football Association, Beach Soccer Association of Malawi, Referees Association, Super League of Malawi, and the National Coaches Association.

    The incumbent, Walter Nyamilandu, has held the reins of FAM for a staggering 19 years, creating an opportunity for Fleetwood Haiya to position himself as the fresh face and dynamic leader needed to rejuvenate the football association.

    As the current President of the Super League of Malawi, Haiya has already showcased his administrative prowess, having been elected to the position in February 2023.

    Fleetwood Haiya’s journey in football administration has been nothing short of transformative. Notably, at Nyasabig Bullets, he assumed leadership when the team was not performing at its peak.

    Under his guidance, Nyasabig Bullets underwent a remarkable metamorphosis, transitioning from a mid-tier soccer team to a perennial achiever in the country’s top football league.

    Haiya’s managerial acumen brought consistent success as Nyasabig Bullets clinched the league title in every season under his leadership.

    Beyond domestic triumphs, he propelled the team onto the continental stage, where Nyasabig Bullets represented Malawi with distinction.

    In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Haiya has been appointed as the acting Vice Chairperson of the Peoples Team.

    The forthcoming FAM election is not just a contest of individuals; it symbolizes a call for change, a plea for fresh perspectives and innovative leadership.

    Fleetwood Haiya is positioning himself as the catalyst for this transformation, emphasizing the need for a breath of fresh air within the football association.

    As the countdown to December 16th begins, Malawi football enthusiasts and stakeholders anticipate a riveting contest that could redefine the trajectory of the nation’s footballing future.

    Fleetwood Haiya emerges not only as a candidate but as a beacon of change, a seasoned administrator ready to navigate the challenges and lead Malawi football into a new era of excellence.

  • ‘Nowhere near!’ Nyamilandu blasted after declaring candidacy for FAM president

    ‘Nowhere near!’ Nyamilandu blasted after declaring candidacy for FAM president

    Soccer analyst Joseph Kasampha has criticized Football Association of Malawi president Walter Nyamilandu who is seeking re-election for ruining football in the country.

    Kasampha was reacting to Nyamilandu’s candidacy declaration for the president of the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) slated for 16th December 2023 in Mzuzu.

    “I Walter MacMillan Nyamilandu Manda declare my candidacy for the position of president of the football associations of Malawi on 16 December 2023, I would like to state clearly that Iam seeking re-election for the last time to complete my work as a final term of my presidency with FAM” Said Nyamilandu

    Among his achievements for the past 19 years as FAM president, Nyamilandu mentioned twice qualification of Flames to Africa Cup of Nations, Under 17 to 2009 World Cup, Scorchers success story at COSAFA, introduction of subvention, the construction of Chiwembe technical centre as well as introduction of Luwinga football Academy.

    But in an interview, Kasampha brushed off Nyamilandu’s remarks and labeled him ‘as a failure’.

    “Nyamilandu is shameless, he has failed to improve football in this country and his achievements are ‘nowhere near to be praised’. Talking about Flames qualification to 2010 World Cup is too far, we need explanation of why and how he failed to fulfill most of his promises during elections campaign?”

    “Talking about infrastructure, he is bragging about Chiwembe, really? 19 years he is satisfied with a 5000 seater training ground? Where is beach Soccer stadium he promised last time?”

    “We were told that he will establish Flames Trust, Zambezi Challenge Cup, starter pack to clubs participating in CAF tournaments and again he promised that Malawi will qualify to the World Cup but nothing has happened, so should we cling to the lier?” Wondered Kasampha

    Kasampha further took a dig at Nyamilandu’s bridging the gap slogan saying it tells a story that there’s indeed a huge gap where his association is benefiting alot through huge earnings from gate collections and questionable fines leaving teams and players suffering.

    On the issue of Scorchers success story at COSAFA, Kasampha conquered with George Mussa, representative for Football Enthusiasts who said credit should go to late David Dube and Prophet Shepard Bushiri for using their resources to introduce, development and support Women’s football in the country.

    “I appreciate David Dube who did alot for Women football development in the country all by himself he was spending for his food for players, he could accommodate them, he could pay fees for them, he could request help from FAM but not even K1 would come from FAM, not at all, not even Nyamilandu and now we have Bushiri who came up with K60 million sponsorship, these are people who need appreciation not Nyamilandu, what has he done to the Scorchers?” said Mussa some two weeks ago

    However, Nyamilandu added the construction of Luwinga technical Centre and introduction of football Academy as his achievements, contradicting what FIFA’s director member of football Associations, Gelson Fernandez that Malawi, Mauritania and Djibouti were selected to receive funding from FIFA for the project after realizing that they are lagging behind interms talent development compared to other countries.

    Nyamilandu has been nominated to stand again for FAM presidency by Central Region Football Association.

    Meanwhile, he is expected to face stiff competition from incumbent Super League of Malawi president Fleetwood Haiya who has already been nominated by Northern Region Football Association, Beach Soccer Association and National Referees Committee.