South, North leagues finally roll out
The Southern and Northern region football leagues kick off this afternoon, almost half-way the current season.
The delay to roll out two of the three second-tier leagues were caused by sponsorship and logistical hitches.
But Southern Region Football League (SRFL) vice-general secretary Kingsley Simbeye and his Northern Region counterpart Aubrey Shawa yesterday expressed optimism about catching up with the top-flight Super League by arranging mid-week fixtures.
SRFL kicks off without sponsorship following President Peter Mutharika’s sudden change of heart not to extend the marriage.
“We are kicking off Saturday with five Premier Division fixtures and we are hopeful by March next year, we should be through,” said Simbeye.
He also said they have also intensified the hunt for a new sponsor.
Premier Division newcomers Surestream Academy’s technical director Peter Mponda said his team is ready to start a new lease of life in the top league.
Under-20 coach Ernest Mtawali has said he will watch both Surestream games this weekend to get a glimpse of his charges that include goalkeeper Brighton Munthali, defenders Mark Fodya, Levison Maganizo, and Trevor Kalema; midfielder Ernest Tambe; strikers Isaac Mwale and Tony Biasi.
Shawa also said all is set for the Simama NRFL to kick off.
“We are supposed to have 16 teams this season, but so far only 14 have registered, we expect the others to complete registration next week,” said Shawa.
NRFL treasurer Chauka Masinga said the league’s registration fees is pegged at K35 000 which is far much lower compared to the Centre and South.
“We understand the hardships that the teams are going through hence the low registration fees,” said Masinga.
Following are the rest of the SRFL Premier Division fixtures for the weekend: Today: Nyasa vs Kabula United @ BAT, BNC vs Green Hawks @ Kamuzu Stadium (12.30pm), Surestrem vs ndirande Icons @ Kamuzu Stadium; White Eagles vs Evrom @ PTS; Bvumbwe Research vs Poly @ Bvumbwe; Tomorrow: Poly vs Tigers Reserve @ BAT, BNC vs Kabula Utd @ BAT (12.30pm); Nchalo United vs Surestream @ Kalulu; Max Bullets vs Evrom @ Sedi; Bvumbwe vs Prison United @ Bvumbwe; White Eagles vs Ndirande Icons @ PTS, Cobbe vs Mangochi Police @ Gymkhana, Luchenza Tea Stars vs Green Hawks @ Luchenza.
