Veil of secrecy surrounds NFWA nominations process

There are more questions than answers surrounding the nominations process of the National Women’s Football Association (NWFA) ahead of the elective annual general meeting (AGM) slated for April 15 in Salima District.

With one-and-a-half-month to polls, there is too much secrecy about the process as sources indicated that the process was rolled out without notifying stakeholders.

Both Football Association of Malawi (Fam) and National Women’s Football Association (NWFA) did not announce the commencement of the process publicly, raising fears that the process might be compromised.

Sources suggested that this could be a move to surprise would-be contestants ahead of the polls. The NWFA elections will be held after Super League of Malawi (Sulom) ushered new Executive Committee at its elective AGM in Mangochi on Saturday.

Both Sulom and NWFA are Fam Member Associations, who will vote during the association’s polls in December this year.

NWFA Chairperson Suzgo Ngwira said the nomination process started last week.

“As per our constitution, Football Association of Malawi (Fam) is handling the nomination process. I will not comment more on this,” she said.

People must at least earn nomination from the three regions to take part in the polls.

However, some nomination papers circulating on social media indicate that Central Region Women’s Football Association has nominated Ngwira whereas Adela Migogo has reportedly earned nomination from the Northern Region Women’s Football Association.

NRWFA Chairperson Tsalakunja Chimanga refused to comment on the matter yesterday, distancing the association from the social media nomination document.

Migogo, who is a well known football administrator, was not readily available yesterday.

Fam General Secretary Alfred Gunda said names the nominated candidates will be released after the end of the process.

“Fam’s role is that of returning officer in these elections,” Gunda said.

Ngwira reclaimed the NWFA top seat after beating her predecessor Severia Chalira during the 2019 elections held in Mangochi.