Chalamanda chairs Cosafa appeals body

The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) has appointed Malawian private practice lawyer Noel Chalamanda as its appeals committee chairperson. His appointment comes ahead of the regional football governing body’s elective annual general assembly scheduled for May 16 2026. In a letter signed by Cosafa executive director Sue Destombes, dated March 17 2026, Cosafa says the appointment is in accordance with Article 15.3 of the body’s statutes, which state that elections for its executive committee must be conducted in accordance with the Cosafa electoral code through the electoral committee.

Reads the letter: “Pursuant to Articles 3.1 and 3.2 of the Cosafa electoral code, the electoral committee, responsible for organising, supervising and making all decisions relating to the upcoming Cosafa elections, is formally constituted as follows: Tebogo Motlanthe, chairperson of the Cosafa disciplinary committee, Noel Chalamanda, chairperson of the Cosafa appeals committee and Natacha Andrianavosoa, chairperson of the Cosafa ethics board. “The purpose of this communication is to formally notify you of your appointment to the dlectoral committee for the upcoming electoral process.” Chalamanda hss since accepted his new role and is expected to attend the first meeting tomorrow. “The primary objectives of this meeting will be to review the election roadmap, confirm the electoral calendar and discuss the duties outlined in Article 4 of the Electoral Code, including the procedures for the examination of candidature,” reads the letter.

In an interview on Saturday, Chalamanda, a former Blantyre City Mayor, said: “I am truly honored to chair the Cosafa Appeals Committee, especially at such a pivotal moment. “My focus is clear: to ensure a fair, transparent, and credible election process that upholds the highest standards of integrity. I look forward to working openly with all stakeholders, handling every appeal with impartiality and respect for the rules.

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“This is a chance for us to shine, showcasing professionalism and unity and making both Malawi and Cosafa proud. I am fully ready to do what is right and I am excited to help set a new benchmark for football governance in our region.”

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