As Simama plans of colorful launch

By Bright Mfune & Vitumbiko

Karonga-based Baka City Fc, and Zolozolo United can now breathe a sigh of relief as the league’s administrators have finally allowed them to partake in this season’s showpiece.

Initially, it was reported that only 18 teams were to be part of 2018 Simama Premier league season; leaving out some of 2017’s members, Baka City FC, and Mzuzu-based Zolozolo United among others.

But in a dramatic turn of events, the league’s General Secretary, Masiya Nyasulu has informed the media of the reversal citing pressure from some stakeholders.    

According to a short statement that Nyasulu posted on the league’s WhatsApp group, other sectors of the society were unhappy with the earlier decision by the league’s administrators.

“We had to reach this decision (of including the two teams) after receiving numerous appeals from various quarters hence adding two more teams,” read part of the statement.

As it stands, Mzimba district has still commanded a lion’s share on the list of teams that are to battle it out in this season’s Simama Northern Region Premier league with five teams, with Rumphi, and Mzuzu city coming second with four each, and Chitipa, and Nkhata-Bay as the least contributors with two apiece.

Among others, the initial list of applicants had 28 teams, but after scrutiny, it was trimmed to 18. Now it is to have 20.

On a rather sad note, football fanatics from the region will have no chance of watching the legion of other former league teams who have been given the boot in the likes of Ipota Shooting stars, Kafukule Fc, Embangweni United, and Nkhorongo United, among others.  

Meanwhile, Northern Region Football Association General Secretary, Masiya Nyasulu warns teams of high soccer temperatures.

“The league has no walk-over so teams need to thoroughly prepare,” he warns.

Simama Premier League is expected to roll into action on the 21^st of April 2018, and the sponsorship is now pegged at K7 Million.

Below is the district contribution of teams

Chitipa District

• Chitipa United
• Lufita Fc

Karonga District

• Chilumba Barracks
• Chilumba United
• Baka City Fc

Rumphi District

• Bolero United
• Katowo young Soccer
• Lura fc
• Rumphi United

Mzimba District (Mbelwa District)

• Ekwendeni Hammers
• Ekwendeni United
• Kabwafu fc
• Thunduwike
• Manyamula fc

Mzuzu City

• Luwinga United
• Fish Eagles
• Mchengautuba United
• Zolozolo United

Nkhata-Bay

• Mbawa Fc
• Nkhatabay United.

Simama dreams of a glitzy launch

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Football Association of Malawi’s president, Walter Nyamilandu is expected to officially launch this year’s league at Luwinga Technical centre in Mzuzu.

According to Nyasulu, plans are also at an advanced stage to engage the league’s co-sponsor, Prola Cooking oil, for an official unveiling ceremony. Earlier, the later injected K2 million; increasing the league’s value to K7 million.

“We’ve extended our invitation to our co-sponsor for an official unveiling ceremony. We hope it’s going to be a wonderful occasion,” he hopes.

During the ceremony, enterprising Luwinga United FC will sort it out with Rumphi United to kick start this year’s season.