By Chisomo Phiri
The outgoing Football Association of Malawi (FAM) President Walter Nyamilandu says he is happy to leave the stage in a better place than he found it.
Nyamilandu who had been FAM President for the past 19 years was defeated by Fleetwood Haiya in the FAM presidential elections held on December 16, 2023 in Mzuzu.
He was beaten by 23 votes to 13.
In his message to Malawians after the defeat, Nyamilandu said he will no longer seek for re-election at FAM as president as he has done his part and that others should do theirs.
“Today is my last day in serving the beautiful game of football in Malawi as President of FAM,”said Nyamilandu.
He thanked Malawians for granting him the rare opportunity to lead Malawi football.
Said Nyamilandu :” Thank you for your support and collaboration in moving football forward.We raised the bar by achieving significant milestones that brought joy and pride to our nation.
“However, at this juncture, it is time to move on and leave the legacy behind as well as bridging the gap mindset.
He then wished Haiya, the president elect and his Executive Committee all the best in their endeavors.
Nyamilandu claimed FAM Presidency victory in the 2004, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019 FAM General Elections.
He assured Malawi’s return to the African Cup of Nations continental tournament twice during his tenure as president.
Before taking up his role, Malawi had struggled to qualify for over 20 years.
Nyamilandu became the first Malawian in history and one of a few Africans to be elected onto the prestigious world football governing body, FIFA as an Executive Council member.
He beat the president of the South African Football Association in a series of voting rounds to attain the council seat.
He repeated history when he was voted into the continental sports governing body, CAF, in 2023.
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