NRFA Elections Heat Up as In-House Battle for Top Position Looms

Preparations for the Northern Region Football Association’s (NRFA) highly anticipated elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) are in full swing. District member associations are strategizing and aligning their interests ahead of the pivotal event, scheduled for early next year.

Soccer analyst Pally Chinyama, speaking on a local radio program, emphasized the urgent need for transformative leadership within the NRFA. He noted that the future of football in the region hinges on leaders who understand the dynamics of the game, prioritize grassroots player development, and secure sustainable sponsorships to uplift the sport.

“In lower leagues, success is not just about earning promotion to the elite league,” Chinyama said. “It’s also about maintaining and improving team performance in the long term. That requires bold, visionary leadership, backed by sound management and innovation.”

Chinyama also urged district committees to focus on electing leaders with exceptional managerial skills, a unifying vision, and the charisma needed to inspire and galvanize the football community. He argued that the leadership vacuum in regional football could only be filled by individuals committed to professionalism and collaboration.

As the AGM approaches, speculation about potential candidates is intensifying. Current General Secretary Masiya Nyasulu and Acting Chairperson Chauka Mwasinga have emerged as the key contenders for the top position. While neither has officially declared their candidacy, insiders within member associations have confirmed that both individuals are actively lobbying for support. Their rivalry is expected to shape the election discourse in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, the NRFA is set to release a calendar of key events, including the AGM date, which will set the stage for this decisive contest.

The election will determine the organization’s leadership for the next four years, a period widely viewed as critical for the region’s football development.

The stakes are high, with member associations calling for transparent processes and inclusive governance to ensure the election delivers leaders capable of addressing the challenges facing regional football.