Malawian Football has embarked a new journey following the appointment of Fleetwood Haiya as the new president of Football Association of Malawi (FAM).

The elective general assembly which was held at Mzuzu Gland Palace Hotel, marked a significant shift in the leadership of Malawian football, as Haiya defeated Walter Nyamilandu, 23-13 to end Nyamilandu’s 19-year incumbency as FAM president.

The election of the new executive committee members has blazed anticipation and excitement within Malawi’s football community as people wanted for change to retain the lost glory.

In his acceptance speech on being elected FAM president, Haiya said he was humbled to be elected and that he will immediately start implementation of his manifesto called “transforming the game”.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to be elected as FAM president, 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,” said Haiya.

Haiya also added that he will try to seek advice from his predecessor Walter Nyamilandu.

“Walter Nyamilandu has vast experience. He has been in office for 19 years; he was a FIFA member and he is council member of CAF and I hope he will be available when called to seek counsel in managing the game,” Haiya said.

Meanwhile the outgoing president, Walter Nyamilandu congratulated Haiya for winning the presidential race.

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

Northern Region Football Association chairperson Lameck Khonje beat Othaniel Hara to the post of second vice-president after acquiring 21 votes against his opponent’s 15.

Daudi Mtathiko, Chimango Munthali, Patrick Kapanga, and Bernard Chiwiriwiri Harawa emerged as the new members of the FAM executive committee.

Fellistas Dossi retained her position as FAM executive women’s representative after outsmarting Mervis Mangulenje 21 votes to 15.

The future of Malawian football now rests in the hands of the new executive committee members as people are hoping to see significant changes in the governance and oversight of football activities in the country.