Phiri is ZSU president

By RONALD CHAWE –

FORMER Zambia  Amateur Swimming Union (ZSU) vice-president Guy Phiri is the new union president after going through unopposed at the union’s elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) held over the weekend at Fringila Lodge in Chisamba.
Phiri, who had served the union as vice-president for four years replaces David Thompson, who stood down after being at the helm of the union top position for two, two-year terms.
Phiri is a former national swimmer who swam at national level from 1981 to 1995. He also served as the chairperson of the Lusaka-based Dolphins Swimming Club.
The new vice-president of the union is Adewale Grillo, who beat two other contenders to grab the post after polling 10 votes against his closet rival Jonathan Lewis’ seven and Anton Bester with two.
The position of honorary secretary went to Amanda Axiotis, who was elected in absentia and defeated incumbent Nicola Sharpe-Phiri by a vote with a 10-9 result while Sonjhi Shamambo was elected treasurer after collecting 12 votes against Gajan Sothylingham’s seven.
The position of Recorder went to Derrick Van Staden of Kitwe who beat Samantha Smith by three after he polled 11 votes against Smith’s eight with the new Union registrar going to Debbie Gray with 12 votes while Mathew Shone got six.
The Midlands and Copperbelt representatives went to Tinky Naidu and Sophie Peach respectively, with Naidu taking the position by one vote’s win over Anthonia Weltin while Peach beat Camilla Howard by three votes with Deirdre Goveia elected unopposed for the position of the International coordinator.
And speaking at the same function, Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) board member Haroon Ghumra praised the out-going executive for the manner in which it had handled the affairs of the union.
Ghumra said the council was pleased with the manner ZASU has been growing the sport and also promoting good governance and  accountability.
He implored the newly-elected executive to look into developing new revenue streams to strengthen the union financially.
“Since the future of any sport depends on the youth, seriously-look at identifying talent at the grass root by drawing up a strategic plan by engaging different stakeholders in a spirit of cooperation so that swimming can be propelled to new heights in the country,” he said.