I am sorry, Mpondela
By Cecilia Nayame
FORMER Zambia Athletics (ZA), president, Elias Mpondela has apologised to the athletics family for any wrongs he might have done during his 27-year tenure of office.
In an emotional farewell speech, yesterday, during the ZA elective annual general meeting (AGM) in Lusaka, Mpondela appealed to the ZA family to find it in their hearts to forgive him in whichever area he might have wronged them.
He said it will be inappropriate of him, living the stage without reconciling with those who consider him an enemy.
“To all those I could have hurt along the way and said things I shouldn’t have said, I am saying sorry,” Mpondela said.
He also urged those who got separated from the ZA family by virtue of abrogating the constitution to find time and study the book.
“For those who got separated from the athletics family by means of abrogating the constitution and spread the hurt on me, I forgive you for not reading the constitution which should have guided us…but again I blame my executive for not taking time to handle the situation,” he added.
Mpondela said his apology is coming from deep down his heart with no conditions attached.
He appealed to members who left the association to come back and contribute to the growth of the sport.
“As I live ZA, I want to live as a nice guy. I want to live the association in peace, not divided but a united family.
“To all those who left the association, come back and be part of this family because that’s the wish of the ministry (Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts),” he said.
He also urged the new executive to have a big heart as they serve in various leadership positions.
He said it takes a person with passion and dedication to lead others.
“My journey has been about passion and dedication. Out of, it all, interest for athletes. My 27 years journey was not a joke despite it being long,” he said.
Mpondela said as the mantle is being passed to others it is important for Councilors to vote for credible leaders.
“The banner has already been raised. As we pass the mantle to others, it is important that we create more opportunities that will help to create enabling atmosphere that we need as ZA family” he said.
He urged new leaders to put athletics closer to their hearts.
“To all my colleagues wishing to succeed me, this is not an easy journey. I have been stoned on the way but despite that I had one goal which I wanted to achieve and that was my focus because what I wanted to see was that athletics continues to run,” he said.
He said it is important for Councilors not to comprise the voting process as the decision they make today will be for future use.
“Democracy allows us to vote. It’s important for all of us to make informed decisions, not decisions that will compromise us in future…in all that we do credibility is important. Making our leaders accountable is also a good thing,” he said.
And Minister of Youth, Sport and Art Elvis Nkandu has commended Mpondela for his dedication in promoting athletics in Zambia.
He urged the former ZA boss to take advantage of the gathering and bring back all those who left the association in whichever circumstances.
“Those who will be brought back, we don’t expect seeing you bring confusion again. Add value to what all of us would expect, to see from you,” he said.
Nkandu also commended Mpondela for the step taken to apologise to the ZA family.
He also urged Mpondela to make himself available whenever his services are needed at ZA.
“To all those coming to occupy various positions in ZA, make Mr Mpondela your father. If you decide to disrespect him that is at your own risk…he still has a lot to contribute to athletics in Zambia,” he said.
He said Mpondelas’ legacy will live on following his contributions to the athletics body both at local and international.
