Msimuko is new chair for refs in the North

The Northern Region Referees Committee (NRRC) on Wednesday elected Mabvuto Lightwell Msimuko as chairperson at Mzuzu CCAP Primary School ground.

Msimuko, a Fifa referee based in Mzuzu, defeated (37-7) his former chairperson Misheck Juba who was seeking re-election after his three-year tenure expired in December 2013.

“I think I lost because those that support me from Mzimba, Karonga and Rumphi did not come in large numbers,” Juba said after the polls.

Msimuko, who thanked the referees for trusting him with the challenging post, said his good works at the time he was Juba’s deputy are what made him win.

“All I ask for is cooperation for us to succeed,” said Msimuko.

Msimuko’s deputy is Benito Chilotha while Clemence Kanduku retained the position of general secretary unopposed. The vice-general secretary is William Chidyaonga of Mzuzu. Jonazio Luwizi is the treasurer. All district chairpersons were roped in as committee members.

Guest of honour during the elections, National Referees Association vice-chairperson Alex Mbale appealed to those that lost to work with the new committee for the good of the game.

But he accused some journalists of concentrating on negative stories about Malawi football.

Former Fifa referees Zuza Nyondo, Kalyoto Ngosi, Tchutchu Gondwe, Lusungu Mtimbula assisted in organising the elections which were preceded by the treasurer’s report.