Josaya-Banda biggest casualty in elections

Dini Josaya-Banda, arguably the most influential football figure in the Central Region, yesterday suffered a shock defeat in the Central Region Football Association (CRFA) elections held at Area 30 in Lilongwe.

The business magnate and former Central Region Football League (CRFL) lost to ex-CRFC counterpart Austin Beaton Ajawa by 34 votes to 15.

Josaya-Banda told Nation on Sunday in an interview after the elections that he was not bitter as he was not sure on whether to contest in the first place.

“I did not campaign, so the result has not come as a surprise. I am contemplating quitting active football administration altogether to concentrate on my personal things. I only stood because some people within the football circles, urged me to do so.

“The only other position that I will maintain is that of patron of Epac FC. That means when my tenure runs out at Civo United [as vice-chairperson], I will also not seek re-election,” he said.

Josaya-Banda also said there were suggestions that he should consider running for a position at either FAM or Sulom, but he said he is not interested.

Charles Kapichi went in unopposed as Josaya Banda’s deputy. Also going in unopposed were Bernard Chiwiruwiru-Harawa and Pyson Likagwa. They are CRFA’s general secretary and treasurer respectively. The elections were presided over by FAM executive committee member Nathaniel Hara.

In the Northern Region, the polls were closely contested, but Lameck Khonje carried the day for the top seat after seeing off Peter Chavula’s spirited challenge by 26 against 24 votes.

Ironically, the position of GS went to Alfred Gunda who defeated Masiya Nyasulu by the same margin.

According to presiding officer James Mwenda, who is FAM executive committee member, the post of vice-chairperson went to Zuza Nyondo, who trounced Square Nyasulu by 49 votes against one.

In the South, it was plain-sailing as delegates from the two bodies [SRFL and SRFC] successfully agreed for a trade-off and all the top positions went unopposed. Raphael Humba was elected chairperson with Trouble Kalua as his deputy. George Pagaja was ushered in as GS while Kingsley Simbeye is the vice-GS.

Daudi Ntanthiko was elected treasurer unopposed. He deputy is Rajabu Namalaka.