By Aubrey Thom Vakhani

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president, Fleetwood Haiya, has been unanimously endorsed to represent Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) at the continental level as COSAFA’s candidate for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee member position at the forthcoming elections for the governing body for association football in Africa slated for next year.

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Haiya’s endorsement was done at this year’s COSAFA annual electoral general assembly held in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Reacting to the endorsement in a Facebook statement, Haiya expressed his gratitude saying it was an honour to him.

“I am equally humbled and honoured by the unanimous endorsement and trust bestowed upon me by all COSAFA Presidents to represent our region at continental level. I sincerely thank all the COSAFA Presidents for the confidence and unity demonstrated through this collective decision,” said Haiya.

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Haiya also took the opportunity to congratulate the newly elected COSAFA leadership, including President Tariq Babitseng from Botswana who went unopposed, Vice President Alfred Randriamanampisoa (Madagascar), and the Executive Committee Members from Zambia, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Eswatini.

He emphasised the need for unity in transforming COSAFA and advancing football in the region.

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Additionally, Haiya extended his appreciation to the outgoing COSAFA President, Saïd Ali Saïd Athouman, for his outstanding leadership and contribution to COSAFA.

He pledged to work tirelessly, alongside the new leadership, to drive football forward in Southern Africa.

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COSAFA was founded in 1983 and it has 14 full member associations.