Fleetwood Haiya has been elected as the new president of the Super League of Malawi (Sulom), ousting Tiya Somba Banda in elections that were held on Saturday in Mangochi.
Haiya, the former Nyasa Big Bullets Vice President, received 30 votes, while Somba Banda managed only 18.
In his acceptance speech, Haiya expressed his appreciation for the unity demonstrated by clubs in the TNM Super League in their resolve to revive, reform, and rebrand the elite league.
He emphasized that there were no winners or losers in the election, as everyone had the same goal of developing the Super League into a viable professional entity.
Haiya thanked Crowe Chartered Accountants for their efficient and professional handling of the elections and thanked his predecessor for his love of the sport and the strong foundation he had laid for the league.
“Let me hasten to say that there is no winner and no loser in this election. Everyone is a winner in his own right as we all have one goal, to develop the Super League into a viable professional entity.
“I would fail in my duties if I do not thank Crowe Chartered Accountants for the efficient and professional manner in which they handled the elections. We can’t thank you enough, my the Good Lord bless you with more wisdom and good health as you continue serving Malawi Football,” he said.
He also thanked his predecessor for the resolve and love of the sport that he demonstrated both during his tenure and on the campaign trail.
“He has laid a strong foundation upon which we will continue to build the league to greater heights. Now that the campaign is finally over, let us get to work. Let us all embrace each other, despite the different podiums from which we campaigned. We all need to push in the same direction for SULOM to make headway as an administrator of a quality league not only in the region but on the whole continent.
He urged all clubs to work together, despite their different campaign platforms, to push the league forward and make it a quality league not only in the region but also on the continent.
Haiya also promised to serve every club without discrimination and to lead the league to greater heights. He urged his fellow office bearers to unite, step up their efforts, and make the league one of the best in the country, as football lovers would judge them based on their performance during their tenure.
Below is the full new executive;
President
Fleetwood Haiya
Vice President
Col. Gilbert Mitawa
General Secretary
Williams Banda
Vice General Secretary
Donnex Chilonga
Treasure
Allie Mwachande
Legal Advisor
Solomon Gomezgan Mchawi.
Executive Members
Chimwemwe Nyirenda
Henry Banda
Akudzike Kafwamba
Daudi Mtanthiko
Ronald Chiwaula