Malawi FA president Walter defiant despite anti-4th term bid
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu says he cannot be stampeded by the protests against his plans to seek a fourth term when the association goes to the polls in December.
He was reacting protests staged by some supporters against his bid during Airtel Top 8 final between Silver Strikers and Karonga United at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday and Sunday at Civo Stadium during a TNM Super League match between Civil Sporting Club and Be Forward Wanderers.
During the matches, dozens of supporters wore T-shirts emblazoned with Nyamilandu’s face and inscribed ‘Walter Must Fall’. They also erected placards against Nyamilandu’s bid.
The FAM boss has come under criticism for his involvement in politics, apparently for taking part in helping Democrat Progressive Party (DPP) ‘Tippex’ the May 21 Tripartite Elections.
Nyamilandu was captured wearing a DPP beret before polling when President Peter Mutharika addressed whistle-stop campaign rallies and the photograph went viral on social media
He defended his act, saying he wore the DPP beret because he likes it.
Nyamilandu, who has been FAM president for 14 years, said he is not intimidated by the supporters’ stunt.
“I won’t succumb to pressure, fear or intimidation. I will make a sober decision and will not be subjected to duress,” said Nyamilandu.
Initially, Nyamilandu announced that he would not seek a fourth term, but last month the FAM president said he had changed his mind and was reconsidering his stance.
He said he will announce his decision in three months.
Nyamilandu has also been criticised for the national team’s failure, having seen the Flames only qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals once in the past 16 years.
On a positive note, Nyamilandu has improved football infrastructure and structures. Currently, FAM has an office complex at Chiwembe in Blantyre where there’s also a hotel that generates revenue and accommodate players during camping.
During his reign, Nyamilandu has also managed to win the hearts of the corporate world as companies are coming forth to sponsor football competitions at professional and youth level.
Apart from being a member of Fifa Council, Nyamilandu is also an executive committee member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa).
Fifa recently introduced term limits. Under the new rules, office bearers can serve three terms only.But Nyamilandu is eligible since the rules and regulations do not apply retrospectively.
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Cowards will demand that a competitor should not stand so that they have an easy ride! If Walter is not wanted then let him stand and beat him at the polls, simple and straight forward! Lamulo likuti akhoza kuyima inu ndinu ndani makape kuti mumuletse? Shut up, kapandi ina. Walter anakonza!
This man is bad very bad he corrupt those people to vote for him and international community is having an eye on him in abroad say he fix matches that Malawi national team can loose for others to qualify we will try hard to send reports anvetsa we are tired timuwula
Walter, even Mtisunge thinks you must resign. Ask Mtisunge and she will tell you how rubbish you have been as the president of FAM. Mtisunge knows that you must be moved away from Malawian football. Mtisunge will tell you the truth..
Then just don’t vote for him. Kapena kumene konso kumakhala Tippex?
Simungamuthe, coz its a generational curse….! “Like agogo, like grandson……………..”! kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
Don’t you see that he succeeded in only things that required cash exchange? Ngwakuba munthu uyu