Likoma teams bemoan regional league exclusion
Football teams in the island district of Likoma have expressed worry over their exclusion from participating in the Simama and Sons (Simso) Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) League.
Eighteen teams from the region are participating in this year’s league.
In an interview on Wednesday, Davie Kacholora, who is Likoma District Football Committee chairperson, said the situation is killing potential talent to be exposed TNM Super League teams in the country.
“We have talented players who, if exposed through competitive games such as the Simso Premier League, can be tapped and contribute towards developing sports at national level,” he said.
On his part, Likoma District sports officer Felix Banda said the youth on the island are denied the opportunity to benefit from regional tournaments.
“The current situation is that we are isolated. We have potential Premier League teams that can take part in the regional tournament, but are not active due to lack of sponsorship,” he said.
Banda said, among the top teams from the district that are capable of participating in the regional league are Super Sport FC, Try Again FC and Mike Islanders FC.
On his part, Try Again FC general secretary McDonald Kondowe said they have been approaching Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) to consider registering them to take part in the league, but this does not materialise.
“We have what it takes to participate in the regional league, but we are not allowed to register,” he said.
However, NRFA general secretary Masiya Nyasulu said the situation for Likoma requires a long-term solution.
“We are aware about Likoma exclusion in the regional league, but this is due to transport implications,” he said.
Nyasulu was quick to say that there is a district league already in place that Football Association of Malawi is sponsoring in which Likoma teams will compete.
Football analyst Julius Mithi blamed the association for failing to come up with innovative approaches to incorporate Likoma teams.
