FIFA, CAF congratulate Malawi FA president Nyamilandu for honorary PhD

Despite the controversy that sorrounds Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu’s honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Arts (PhD) degree from US-based Cypress University, World football governing body, FIFA as well Confederation of African Football (CAF) have congratulated their Council Member for the recognition.

Nyamilandu receives Honorary PhD
The doctorate degree was awarded in acknowledgement of Nyamilandu’s achievements in developing football in Malawi.
FIFA president Giovanni ‘Gianni’ Infantino said: “I have the great pleasure to express to you, on behalf of FIFA and myself, my warmest congratuIatIons on your recent Honorary Doctorate of PhiIosophy of Arts degree, conferred by US-based Cypress International Institute University.
“This is a weII deserved honour that rewards your passion and exemplary commitment to footbaII and recognises all your efforts to promote our beautiful sport, protect its integrity and develop the game in your country, in your region and aII over the world.
“Reiterating my sincerest congratuIatIons on your outstanding contribution to football development, I wish you the very best in your next endeavours and Iook forward to seeing you again very soon.”
On his part, CAF president Ahmad Ahmad said: “Your dedication and contribution to the game of football at both national and continental levels is beyond question.
“We look forward to more of your wisdom, insights and knowledge as we work together in developing the beautiful game on the African continent.”
Former national team coach Kinnah Phiri, who is now director of football development in the Ministry of Sports, also congratulated Nyamilandu, saying football administration has tremendously improved the country.
“It is unfortunate that people are focusing on Cypress University. What if it were Harvard or Oxford University what would they have said?
“The question is whether Nyamilandu has done enough to deserve the award or not? And to answer that question I say yes, he has done a wonderful job in lifting football standards in Malawi and deserves to be acknowledged.
“If you look back at our football 15 years ago, we were not like this. Now FAM is run by qualified employees at its secretariat operating as professionals and this was not the case.
“We have well established youth football structures to groom talent which was not there before. Now we have beautiful infrastructure at Chiwembe where the national teams (junior and senior Flames) can camp in preparation for international matches.
“In the past this was not the case and it was difficult. So the facts on the ground show a lot of development hence the award,” he said.
Nyamilandu has since dedicated the award to all football lovers in the country saying his achievements have not be been done by him alone but through team work.
After accepting the award at Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC), Nyamilandu had said:
“Together we have achieved milestones and made strides in the development of football in this country in the areas of infrastructure, grassroots football, accountability and financial controls, good partnership with corporate sponsors, commercialization of the game and 2010 AFCON qualification.
“From passionate football fans who make sacrifices for football to happen in Malawi; to the affiliates who organize football at grassroots, district, regional and national levels; the people who use their own personal resources to support their clubs; and everyone from ball boys, stewards, clubs and our most treasured assets the players I salute you. This is for you,” he said.
Nyamilandu said it was high time football got recognized in Malawi because it contributes a lot to the social economic development of the nation.
“Football is no longer just an entertainment platform. It now provides employment to many and creates lots of business opportunities. So it must be appreciated,” he said.

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THE APOSTLE
4 years ago

TIPPEX PHDS

TOSH
4 years ago

NYAMILANDU IDIOT CADET

Keen Observer
Keen Observer
4 years ago

Kkkkkkkkk Malawians are very funny people what’s wrong with my motherland? Honorary Degree???? Really? The likes of Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and other renown world leaders received those useless pieces of papers BUT you never heard anyone calling them Dr so so so cos they know how useless that is. Doctor my foot.

Kapado Chimulirenji
4 years ago

By the way both Havard and Oxford which are world class universities do not confer honourary degrees. These honourary degrees are often offered by cheap universities as one way of marketing themselves to the world. One cannot find a job with an honourary degree- this is why both Mugabe and Mandela could declined such offers. Malawians want to earn the doctoral status when they do not deserve it. We even hear that Chief Lundu and Apostle Khovia are doctors from the same University. Write a story and address them as Mr. or simply Apotsle Khovia, they will be yelling because… Read more »

Zawadi
Zawadi
4 years ago

Its true that’s when Ben phiri , efel kamwendo and wambali mkandawire when offered their ceremony was at BICC as well . Wambali decided to find out about the university and his friends based in America told him the reality and he turned down the offer or award what ever it is. Respect to wambali.. And secondly nyamilandu wapangako chani to develop football in Malawi .. I can recommend the coach for Malawi women national team , the person is just brilliant infact he/ she deserves national recognition because they have maintained in top 10in the world for years. Not… Read more »

Honorable Chimulilenji
Honorable Chimulilenji
4 years ago

Dont worry kapado. This is a country full of Charlatans! PhD in Chaos

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