…..Pledges to transform Central Region Football

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The atmosphere was tense at Kalipano Hotel in Mponela, Dowa, as delegates from nine districts cast their votes to elect the new leadership of the Central Region Football Association (CRFA).

The heated contest saw incumbent Austin Ajawa face off against his deputy, Goodall Chinjoka.

Jubilation erupted when FA executive member and returning officer, Felisters Dossi, announced Chinjoka as the winner, securing 23 votes to Ajawa’s 12.

While Chinjoka celebrated his victory, Ajawa graciously accepted defeat, despite visible disappointment. Ajawa had led CRFA for nearly two decades.

In his acceptance speech, Chinjoka promised to transform football in the central region.

He outlined plans to establish district offices, secure a permanent regional office, and develop a technical center similar to those in the Northern and Southern regions, which have Luwinga and Chiwembe Technical Centers, respectively.

“We lack a technical center in this region, unlike other regions. This motivated me to run for office. With FAM’s support, I am confident we will develop football here. We also need to lobby Chipiku Stores to increase their sponsorship package to at least K35 million or more,” Chinjoka said.

Returning officer Felisters Dossi expressed FAM’s commitment to supporting CRFA:

“We will support CRFA as we do other regions. We are ready to assign an officer to work at their office and provide equipment. We will further discuss with the executive on how best to support them,” assures Dossi.

In other election outcomes, Esther Chirwa, the only female candidate for an executive committee member position, was automatically given a seat following a motion to incorporate her.

Abel Chiumia was elected Vice Chairperson with a commanding 27-8 victory over Gift Jere, while Antonio Manda retained his position as General Secretary, defeating Christopher Njeula by 25-10 votes.

Full CRFA Executive Committee

Chairperson: Goodall Chinjoka
Vice Chairperson: Abel Chiumia
General Secretary: Antonio Manda
Vice Secretary: Wales Kazonde
Treasurer General: Hastings Chilunga
Vice Treasurer: Bwanali Missie

Committee Members:
Esther Chirwa
Joe Twaibu Laussi
Kondwani Kandiado
Tseka Jickson Aluya
Moses Kapatamoyo
Paul Kampira