The appointment of Abdul Chiwalo as the new FAM General Secretary replacing Alfred Gunda has triggered mixed reactions across the football community.
He joins FAM from the Eastern Region Football Association, where he served as Chairperson from September 2024
One of the football analysts George Kapachika highlighted that Chiwalo’s lack of experience raises concerns, considering that he is coming at a time when FAM has recently lost five other key personnel.
He also questioned whether regional ties may not have influenced the appointment.
However, another analyst Kelvin Moyo has backed Chiwalo for demonstrating effective leadership at regional level.
He added that support from experienced figures within FAM, such as Gomezgani Zakazaka, would be essential in helping Chiwalo succeed in his new role.
Moyo then cited the case of football global governing body FIFA, which hired Senegalese Fatma Samoura as its general secretary between 2016 and 2023 despite her background of humanitarian work with the United Nations.
Higger Mkandawire, another football commentator, has expressed confidence in Chiwalo’s passion and abilities despite his less experience in association football.
By Yankho Mbepula
