Fleetwood Haiya is the new Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president after he defeated incumbent Walter Nyamilandu during the association’s elections held at Mzuzu Hotel in Mzuzu on Saturday.

Haiya, who is Super League of Malawi (SULOM) president amassed 23 votes against Nyamilandu’s 13. In his acceptance speech, Haiya said he was humbled to be elected as the FAM president and that he would immediately start implementation of his manifesto code-named “transforming the game”.

“It’s a big thank you to all the affiliates for the trust they have placed in me for my election to the position of FAM president. To all stakeholders who offered us unflinching support, we say thank you. Let’s now transform the game together,” he said.

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In the first vice-president race, Madalitso Kuyera defeated James Mwenda after three rounds of voting following an 18-18. In the third round, Kuyera managed to amass 19 votes against Mwenda’s 17.

Meanwhile, Northern Region Football Association chairperson Lameck Khonje beat Othaniel Hara to the post of second vice-president after amassing 21 votes against his opponent’s 15. Central Region Football Association general secretary Bernard Chiwiriwri Harawa, Daud Ntanthiko, Patrick Kapanga, and Chimango Munthali were elected FAM executive committee members.

Fellistas Dossi retained her position as FAM executive women’s representative after outsmarting Mervis Mangulenje from 21 votes to 15. In his role as SULOM president, Haiya announced that he had immediately stepped down from the post. He said: “I resign as SULOM president with immediate effect.”

Nyamilandu congratulated Haiya for winning the presidential race and promised a smooth transition.