Mist surrounds two Football Association of Malawi (Fam) member associations polls as most candidates are set to go unopposed, Malawi News Sport can reveal.
Local football analysts have since questioned the development, arguing that associations might be crippled by electing incapable candidates.
The development comes after some quarters accused Fam leadership of handpicking candidates to contest.
Newly established Eastern Region Football Association (ERFA) will hold its elective annual general assembly in Mangochi today with most candidates set to be elected unopposed.
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The only battle would be between interim general secretary Francis Onions facing new blood Harold Kachepatsonga.
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However, Abdul Chiwalo (Chairperson), Ella Nyirongo (vice General Secretary), Peterkins Nkondwazi (Treasurer) and Brenda Chunga (vice Treasurer) would be elected unopposed.
Similarly, the Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) would hold its polls next week and most aspirants are set to go unopposed.
SRFA’ Vice Chairperson Dyles Kachala is set to replace Chairperson Raphael Humba unopposed while Patrick Mbalati will go for the post of Vice Chairperson unopposed.
Pharaoh Phiri has been nominated for the post of Treasurer unopposed.
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Local football analysts feel the situation is unhealthy for the sport.
Interestingly, Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) and Central Region Football Association (CRFA) have aspirants vying for various positions.
It is a similar case at NRFA where candidates have emerged challenging each other.
Football pundit Roy Abramo M’dechi has described the situation as worrisome.
“There are two things here. It could be that people did not show interest to contest or upon realising possible candidates some bow out of the race, fearing they might lose.
“As for the central and northern regions it is different, having attracted interest from a lot of candidates. Perhaps in these regions candidates feel they can add value in these regions,” M’dechi said.
Similarly, Blantyre District Football League Chairperson Mario Gadaga lamented lack of interest to contest in the elections.
“People did not express interest for whatever reasons but it is very unfortunate for the game as you need aspirants to outline manifestos to outdo each other,” Gadaga said.
Meanwhile, CRFA incumbent Chairperson Austin Ajawa will face Goodall Chinjoka whereas Abel Chiumia and Gift Jere would battle for the post of Vice Chairperson.
The post of General Secretary would see Antonio Manda and Christopher Njeula battling whereas Walesi Kazonde and Williams Kapenuka are set to tussle for the post of Vice General Secretary.
Hastings Chilunga and Charles Majidu are contesting for the Treasurers post.
Incumbent General Secretary Masiya Nyasulu faces Chauka Mwasinga for the post of the Chairperson. The post of Vice Chairperson would attract Ralph Kasilika and Ephimack Lwanja.
Lupakisho Simwaka and Desire Kiombwe are vying for the post of Vice Chairperson.
However, Noel Nyirenda and Felix Chipete would be unopposed on the positions of Vice General Secretary and Treasurer respectively.
