Seasoned football administrator Francis Onions has been elected Eastern Region Football Association (ERFA) General Secretary after defeating Harold Kachepatsonga by 14 votes to one in Mangochi District Sunday.
Coincidentally, it was the only contested position as the rest went unopposed.
During the polls, the following were elected unopposed: Abdul Chiwalo (chairperson), Issa Ibrahim (vice chairperson), Ella Canton Nyirongo (vice general secretary), Peterkings Nkondiwa (treasurer) and Brenda Chunga (vice treasurer).
Delegates also ushered in Christopher Phiri, Gracium Kachingwe, Precious Mtegha, Precious Kubwalo, Ahmad John Chembe and Enock Nkhoma as committee members.
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Onions thanked voters and promised to repay them by transforming football in the region.
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“I will make sure that we source sponsorship and strengthen teams as this is the only thing that will put a smile on the faces of all football lovers in the region,” he said.
Kachepatsonga congratulated his counterpart.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. While the outcome may not have been what we hoped for, I thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. Your belief in our cause has given me tremendous courage and renewed hope for the future,” he said.
Kachepatsonga said the setback was an opportunity for growth.
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Meanwhile, newly elected chairperson Chiwalo has said his main goal is to train affiliates in administration issues.
“We want to be a committee with high level administrative skills. We want to convince sponsors to support the league,” he said.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Executive Member Daud Mtanthiko, who presided over the elections, described the exercise as free and fair.
“I would like to commend all the delegates and all those elected into new positions for holding peaceful elections.
“The nomination and voting process was free and fair. Allow me to remind those who have attained positions not to sideline those who have lost. May you work in harmony and coexist so that you help in developing football in this region,” he said.
