By Chisomo Phiri

Super League of Malawi(SULOM) President Fleetwood Haiya on Saturday evening launched his manifesto for Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Presidency at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

The FAM elections are slated for December 16,2023 in Mzuzu.

In his presentation,Haiya promised to transform football so that it can contribute to the social-economic development in line with the government’s 2063 agenda.

He said he believes that developing Football through Malawi Schools Associations (MASSA) and have a vibrant grassroots development.

He further pleasges support and regulate all academies country wide and gloom players from tender ages up to the national team levels.

On resource mobilisation, Haiya said through partnerships with the private sector he will ensure that funding is always available for all football and related activities at all times.

Haiya also promised that he will be more transparent and accountable by publicly declaring funds sourced from FIFA and all sponsors both local and international.

He said: “People need to know how much money FAM gets from Fifa and how the money is spent. Imagine as Super League president, I am not aware as to how much FIFA gives to FAM. I promise to be transparent.”

He since disclosed the need of taking advantage of diplomatic ties to have football administrators, coaches, managers and match officials to be trained abroad for more exposure and experience.

The aspirant also set his eyes on funding increase and improve club funding through increment of gate collection to 60 percent and implement the E-Ticketing strategy in collaboration with Super league sponsors TNM.

He further highlighted the need for Partnerships with local and international football academies to enhance player export strategy for the country to have more professionals in some of the world best leagues.

For the elite league, Haiya promised to enhance the commercialisation drive and corporate governance of clubs; raise their gate revenue to at least 30 percent, secure consistent funding for clubs, activate FIFA Forward Subvention Fund to cushion clubs, redesign club-centred TV rights deals, and improve infrastructure.

For regional football, Haiya pledged to establish offices for all regional leagues and also procure utility vehicles.

Still on the elite league,Haiya promised an increment of K20 million kwacha subvention to the Super League teams, starting from next season.

He then thanked all who attended his manifesto launch.

Haiya: “Thank you all for coming to support me as we seek to realign and take our football in the right direction.

“I will not get carried away promising diamonds when at the surface there is Silver. I am here to repair damaged wheels. I am not here to build bridges where there are no rivers. But I am here to re-ignite football,” he said.

In his remarks, Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu said:”There are no life footballers and there are no life presidents. Malawi football has experienced triumphs and tribulations at the same time. As government we yearn for a return to the glory that was there during the time of Kamuzu Banda. There was a time when we could export our talent. Players should be main beneficiaries of the game.

“My message to delegates going to vote at the FAM elections is to think about the situation of football in the country and not be swayed by money. If you think we are there then vote wisely. It is only 36 delegates but think about the 18 million people of this country.”

Haiya is facing incumbent FAM President Walter Nyamilandu Manda in the elections.