16th December 2023, Mzuzu Hotel
Distinguished affiliates, all football loving Malawians, and in the interest of time, allow me to say all protocols observed.
I am deeply humbled and honored to stand before you today as the newly elected president of the Football Association of Malawi.
It is an emotional day. I can’t hold my emotions and for that reason, permit me not to make a speech but to thank you all for your unconditional support and trust in transforming our football.
Firstly, allow me to thank the Lord Almighty for the gift of life and for his grace which has allowed all of us to be in this place today. Let me also thank all affiliates for reposing a special trust in me to serve Malawi football for the next four years.
Special thanks to the electoral committee for the efficient way they handled today’s elections. God bless you and continue the good work. Thanks to the Malawi Police Service for professional and well-done job done. To Mzuzu Hotel and the entire staff, thanks for hospitality.
Distinguished affiliates, ladies and gentlemen, this is a defining day and moment for our football as we seek to transform the beautiful game, with new ideas and new leadership.
As we savor the joy of this accomplishment and fulfillment of this dream, I wish to make a solemn commitment to serve all of you without fear or favour and to put the best interest of the game at heart. Together with the “cabinet” that you have given me, we will endeavor to transform the game by being transparent and accountable. The trust that you have invested in me will surely bear positive fruits.
It is my solemn pledge that I will not betray this invaluable trust, no matter the price.
Allow me to applaud my predecessor Mr. Walter Nyamilandu for his service to the nation and to the game. You have laid strong foundations and I promise not to break them but to continue building a transformative super structure over it. I wish you all the best and hope you will always be available when we seek counsel in managing the game.
At this juncture, let me extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of today’s elections—our 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents, and our dedicated Executive Members.
Your victories are not just individual triumphs; they are the collective strength that will propel us forward into a new era for Malawian football. Together, we form a formidable team, united by a shared vision and a common purpose to transform our football from a common game to a professional, profitable and well- structured industry.
There’s no time to sleep. We have a great task ahead of us. Malawians expect results and expect them immediately.
Dear affiliates, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I am aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and I am eager to work with all the stakeholders to elevate our game to the next level. I believe that football is more than just a sport; it is a culture, and a source of pride and unity for our nation. Football has the power to inspire, to entertain, and to transform lives.
Dear affiliates, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, our new direction will be guided by the 15 goals outlined in our manifesto. These goals represent the pillars of our commitment to shaping a vibrant football ecosystem in Malawi.
They are not just aspirations; they are the building blocks of our journey towards a brighter future for Malawian football.
I will be meeting with the FAM executive committee, the staff, and the affiliates in the coming days to discuss our priorities and strategies.
At the same time, I will also be reaching out to the government, the corporate world, the media, local and international partners including fans to seek their input and partnership. I believe that we can achieve more if we work together as a team, with a common vision and a shared purpose.
Let me reaffirm my commitment to lead with integrity, transparency, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This is our time, our moment, and together, we will fulfill the aspirations of Malawian football bring about the much-sought transformation the country has been yearning for.
As I conclude, let me urge all winners to celebrate the day with humility and respect. I don’t expect any confrontation. We are all one big family. Winners or losers, we are all winners in our own right. Football wins.
Thank you for your trust, your support, and your dedication to the beautiful game. May the Almighty Lord bless you abundantly.
