By Milton Nthunzi
Blantyre: The Forum for Sports Development (FSD), a coalition of over ten sports-focused civil society organizations, has called on Football Association of Malawi (FAM) President Fleetwood Haiya to remain steadfast in his mission to develop football in the country, despite recent political distractions and inflammatory remarks from his predecessor.
FSD co-chairpersons Oglive Ndala and Mervin Nxumayo expressed disappointment with former FAM president Walter Nyamilandu, accusing him of making divisive remarks aimed at destabilizing the football community
In statement issued on Monday, FSD praised the current trajectory of Malawian football, noting that the sport is experiencing unprecedented growth and attracting corporate partnerships not seen since the nation’s independence.
“Malawi football is gradually gaining ground, drawing interest from the corporate world like never before,” the statement read..
“After 19 years of heading FAM, Nyamilandu should understand that Mpira House can be led by anyone who demonstrates wisdom, maturity, and vibrant ideas to spearhead soccer development in Malawi,” said Ndala.
Nxumayo echoed the sentiment, adding, “Now that Mr. Nyamilandu is a Member of Parliament, he must understand that all soccer enthusiasts are wishing him well.”
However, Nxumayo later suggested that Nyamilandu’s recent comments may be politically motivated, especially amid speculation that President Peter Mutharika is planning a cabinet reshuffle in March.
“We know Mutharika will soon reshuffle his cabinet, and definitely Nyamilandu wants his availability to be noticed for a possible consideration,” Nxumayo alleged.
Nyamilandu, who has aligned himself with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), recently claimed that Haiya’s election as FAM president was a “coup d’état” orchestrated by the former Malawi Defence Force commander and his allies, allegedly due to political bias against him.
In response, Haiya has initiated legal proceedings, arguing that the accusations are defamatory and threaten his reputation as a “peace-loving Malawian.”
The FSD has urged all stakeholders to prioritize the growth of football over personal or political interests, emphasizing unity and professionalism in the sport’s administration.
