Godfrey Phiri elected new Malawi athletics president
Former president of the Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) Godfrey Phiri has bounced back in the hot seat after defeating Dr Richard Nyirongo by 48 to 45 votes.
Nyirongo, a lecturer at Chancellor College has been leading the association for the past four years. The elections were held on Saturday at Malawi Institute for Tourism in Blantyre.
Francis Munthali withdrew from the presidential race in support of Phiri.
Phiri will be deputized by former chairperson for central region athletics committee Senti Banda who has defeated the Eastern and Central Africa physical fitness instructor for referees Ephraim Mzengo by 47 votes to 46.
The Association’s general secretary Frank Chitembeya who had been on suspension for impregnating an athlete has retained his position with 49 votes after defeating his former vice Secretary General Mzee Makawa who scooped 44 votes.
Chairperson for the southern region athletics committee Irene Luka has won by votes 48 as vice general secretary. She has defeated a former 200metres splinter, Nicholas Kanyenda who scooped 43.
The Association’s purse will now be taken care of by a Kamuzu Baracks soldier Major Tembo who has won with 46 votes defeating the treasurer Grey Ndovi one of bosses at South African Airways (Malawi office) whowas voted by 45 delegates.
Phiri delighted
Godfrey Phiri told Nyasa Times that he thanks God that he been given an opportunity to bounce back into the athletics world after a break of four years.
“I am happy that I have won and what I can promise is that I will make sure that our athletes are bringing medals from international championship. And also I will make that we have more sponsors for local competitions”, said Phiri.
Nyirongo said he is accepting the results and wishing all the best for the new office bearers.
Makawa who is also a veteran athletics coach says he is wishing the new committee all the best and offered his help if they might need any.
“I can describe the election as free and fair and ours was an honorable defeat there was no trace of rigging. All the best to the new team,” says Makawa.
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