New women’s football boss promises reforms

 Newly-elected National Women’s Football Association (NWFA) chairperson Adelaide Migogo has promised to initiate reforms to ensure progress of the sport at all levels.

Migogo, who yesterday amassed 13 votes to defeat incumbent Suzgo Ngwira Simbi’s five during elections held in Salima, promised a new dawn in women’s football choked with poor sponsorship and lack of competitive leagues.

She said: “Col l eagues remodelling our precious association requires the harmonious efforts of all of us, especially those of us elected in various positions. Working together, we shall move this great association to greater and admirable heights as never seen before.

“As a new committee, we pledge to listen and to do the difficult things, the big deeds that will put us on the path of irreversible progress. Hold us firmly to account, but please give us a chance first. Together, we shall build a brighter and more productive women’s football association for today, tomorrow and for years to come.

“When you gaze upon what we shall accomplish in the coming years, you shall speak with pride at being associated with our association. The future is here! Distinguished colleagues, You decided to place your trust in the vision of an aspirant who believes in shared prosperity and one nurtured by the ideals of unity, justice and tolerance. Renewed hope has dawned in our association, we can never doubt.

“I whole heartedly commend the electoral steering committee for running a free and fair election. The lapses that did occur were relatively few in number and were immaterial to the final outcome. You did your tasks professionally. Furthermore, I sincerely thank all delegates, for your abiding belief in the seven pillars that will propel our beloved association forward.”

Migogo also promised to unite the association which was divided during a stormy campaign period.

She explained: “I shall be a fair leader to all, regardless of whatever transpired before, I always look forward and embrace the power of diversity. Adella does not hold grudges, and I repeat, I shall never hold any ill-feelings. I will be in tune with your aspirations, charge up your energies and harness your talents to deliver an association that we can all be proud of.”

“To my fellow candidate, Mrs. Suzgo Ngwira Simbi, former president and all others, I extend the hand of friendship. This was a competitive, high-spirited campaign. You have my utmost respect. During the election, you may have been my opponent but you were never my enemy. In my heart, you are my beloved sisters and brothers.”

The elections saw Tsalakunja Chimanga and Lustica Gondwe elected vice-chairperson and general secretary unopposed.

Shambashe Kadzamira defeated Bertha Kawanga with 13 votes against her opponent’s five.

Former treasurer Winnie Nyondo has bounced back in the committee after defeating Annie Mseteka with 12 votes against six.

In committee members’ race, Lina Mtegha and Lackson Nyoni were elected with seven and six votes respectively to defeat Violet Bunya who got five votes and Gabriel Chirwa who got no vote.

Chairpersons of the three regional women’s football associations are automatically ex officio members of NWFA.