Andrew Mdzumira
The Central Region Football Association (CRFA) is set to hold its highly anticipated elections today Saturday, 8th February 2025 at Kalipano Hotel in Dowa.
A total of 12 candidates nominated will contest in various positions. Several positions are up for grabs but the real battle is on the position of chairperson and general secretary.
Chairperson position
This is the most highly contested position. The current holder, Austin Biton Ajawa, has been leading the Central Region Football Association since 2020. However, despite his experience, Ajawa appears to be facing a challenge in retaining his position.
He has only received two nominations for re-election, which suggests that some members may be ready for a change.
Ajawa, has served as the chairperson for the Central Region since 2010, he is now facing a challenge for his position after 14 years in power.
In both 2014 and 2020, he was re-elected unopposed but this time around he will face his vice-chairperson, Goodall Chinjoka, who has expressed his intention to run for the position.
Despite the challenge, Ajawa remains unmoved. “We learn that everyone has their ambition to contest and challenge any position,” signaling that he respects the democratic process and is not afraid of competition.
Chinjoka has secured an impressive seven nominations for the role of chairperson, a thing which would mean that some individuals are planning to change the leader.
For eight years, Chinjoka has served as the chairperson of Silver Strikers Football Club, where he was instrumental in the club’s growth and development.
General Secretary post:
Incumbent Antonio Manda is seeking re-election after assuming the role in December 2023. He replaced Bernard Chiwiruwiru Harawa who is now with Football Association of Malawi as an executive committee member.
He is facing strong competition from Christopher Njeula, the former general secretary of both Masters Security FC and Kamuzu Barracks FC.
Other positions:
Aside from the chairperson and general secretary positions, several other important roles will be contested. These includes:
Vice-chairperson: Abel Chiumia who will face Gift Jere
Vice-general Secretary: Wales Kazonde to face Williams Kapenuka
Treasurer: Charles Selemani will take on Hastings Chilunga
Vice-Treasurer: Bwanali Missi will wrestle against Chulu Mkangama
There are multiple candidates running for member positions and these are Joe Twaibu Laussi, Kondwani Kandiado, Esther Chirwa, Tseka Jickson Aluya, Moses Kapatamoyo, Gracium Gwaza, Paul Kampira, and Anthony Midway Manda.
For the nine district affiliates from the region, this is a chance to have a say on who will shape the future of football in the Central Region of Malawi. With so much on the line, the votes cast today will determine the direction in which the association moves forward.
