Battle lines have been drawn with aspiring candidates expressing their interest for positions in regional football associations elections in December.
In the Northern Region, campaign is slowly but seriously heating up as candidates have emerged to contest.
Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) chairperson Raphael Humba disclosed in an interview that no one, so far, has expressed interest to contest.
“It is still quiet here. I am also yet to make a decision whether I will seek re-election or not. It may be too early to do that,” he said.
On the other hand, Central Region Football Association (CRFA) general secretary Bernard Chiwiriwiri Harawa said they are yet to start receiving names of those interested to compete in the CRFA polls.
number of Northern Region teams
But CRFA chairperson Austin Ajawa said he will contest.
In an interview, Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) vice-chairperson Felix Mbonekera Msiska will challenge chairperson Lameck Khonje.
Former Karonga United chairperson Alufeyo Chipanga Banda aspires to be vice-chairperson while Obua Mwamusamale is vying for the position of treasurer, currently being held by Chauka Mwasinga.
Mwamusamale said in an interview that his agenda will be to improve transparency and accountability on how the association’s funds are used.
“Teams have always been complaining of not getting financial reports from the current treasurer. I am an accountant by profession and I want to improve handling of funds at the association where transparency will be paramount,” he said.
Mwasinga said it is too early to start commenting on the elections.
On his part, NRFA general secretary Masiya Nyasulu said he will contest to safeguard his position, but fixtures secretary Ollens Msonda said it is time to change for the better as he will be challenging Nyasulu for the position.
Nyasulu insisted that the present committee has achieved a lot; hence, seeking another term of office.
He cited the introduction of the Top-Four Northern Region Football Bonanza and the five teams—Moyale Barracks, Green Warriors, Ekwendeni, Chitipa United and Karonga United playing in the elite TNM Super League.
Bellinga Desire, Dominick Msowoya and Pickford Kamanga are vying for the position of vice-secretary.
Meanwhile, soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda has advised the electorate to choose candidates that have shown commitment to take the game to a higher level.
“The electorate must focus on the best candidates to take the game to higher levels. It is high time that we focused our selection on names not what one is offering,” he said.
