TO STAY WITHIN LANE—GangataBy Richard Chirombo & Mabvuto Kambuwe:
Newly appointed Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Alfred Gangata has promised not to interfere with domestic football affairs when discharging his duties.
Gangata, who owns Masters Security Football Club which has acquired Super League status of Baka City, was Friday named Sports Minister.
This comes after President Peter Mutharika reshuffled his Cabinet which saw Gangata and immediate past Sports Minister Patricia Wiskes swapping roles.
Wiskes is now the Minister of Natural Resources which was previously occupied by Gangata.
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Following Gangata’s appointment, some sections say Gangata’s new role as Sports Minister could be cause for conflict of interest as he owns Masters Security FC, which has acquired Baka City’s Super League status.
However, Gangata said he had been appointed Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture to serve the agenda of Mutharika and the government.
“I am not going there to serve my interests but those of the government. I will not interfere with football matters. Besides, we have technocrats in the Ministry that provide checks and balances to ensure the system is not abused or goes beyond the lines.
“This ministry is vast because it encompasses the youth who are in the majority in the country. The element of culture cannot be overlooked either,” Gangata said.
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Meanwhile, some quarters have welcomed Gangata’s appointment as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture.
HaiyaIn reaction, Football Association of Malawi (Fam) president Fleetwood Haiya welcomed the development.
“We warmly welcome you and look forward to working closely with you in football circles, where you have long been a familiar and supportive figure, as we continue our shared mission of transforming the game of football in Malawi.
“I also extend my sincere gratitude to the former Minister, Honourable Patricia Wiskes, for the support, cooperation, and goodwill extended during her tenure. We wish her every success in her new role as Minister of Natural Resources,” Haiya said.
In an interview yesterday, sports analyst Parry Chinyama said the appointment of Gangata was a blessing in disguise.
“I am really happy with his appointment. He is a sports guy and I believe he will help the sports fraternity as he knows the challenges in the sector,” Chinyama said.
This is the third time that Gangata has been moved since Mutharika took over power after the September 16 2025 elections having previously served as Minister of State, which was abolished in December.