Blatter congratulates new TFF soccer body boss Malinzi

Fifa  president Sepp Blatter talks at the Football Association’s 150th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Grand Connaught Rooms in central London last Saturday. The event marks the day when a group of men (on October 26, 1863) representing a dozen London and suburban clubs met at the Freemason’s Tavern in London, to draw up the rules of a sport that went on to become the most popular in the world. PHOTO I AFP 

• The Fifa boss has expressed confidence that Malinzi’s election will provide the perfect avenue to steer Tanzania football to new heights.

Congratulatory messages are still flooding in from football and business communities as newly elected Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Jamal Malinzi readies to officially get down to work.

The latest sports official to congratulate Malinzi is Fifa president Sepp Blatter, who says Malinzi should count on the support of the world football governing body to achieve his goal for Tanzania football.

In his letter to TFF, Blatter expressed confidence that Malinzi’s election could provide the perfect avenue to steer Tanzania football to new heights.

“Your vast experience on issues pertaining to football will undoubtedly be a huge asset and will help you to accomplish your mission to turn around Tanzania’s soccer fortunes.

“I am convinced that you will continue to preserve and defend the values of our game. I wish you strength, health and every success for the challenges that lie ahead,” Blatter said in the letter.

The head of the world football governing body said he was optimistic Tanzania football would be transformed under the new leadership due to Malinzi’s rich experience in football administration.

This comes only a day after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, Issa Hayatou, heaped praise on the new TFF boss for his election.

Hayatou said it was with great joy and excitement that he learned about Malinzi’s election as TFF president. The federation’s election took place on Sunday in the city.

“On behalf of the Caf executive committee and the entire African football family, I would like to offer you my warmest congratulations for your election as president of TFF,” he said.

Similar compliments came from Kenya Football Federation (FKF) president, Sam Nyamweya, Uganda Football Federation (FUFA) president Lawrence Mulindwa, Tanzania Sports Writers Association (Taswa) secretary general Amir Mhando, Mwanza football association (MZFA) and Arumeru District Football Association (ADFA).

Mhando promised the association’s support to the new TFF leadership.

“Taswa would like to wish you (Malinzi) good luck,” he said.