NRFA To Introduce Relegation for Regional Teams
The Simso Innobuild League and Division One will each feature four regional clusters for the upcoming 2024 season as the NRFA aims to intensify competitiveness through promotion and relegation.
MZUZU, Malawi -- The Northern Region Football Association has announced the introduction of relegation in the Simso Innobuild League starting from the 2024 season, aiming to improve competition levels, writes Victor Musongole.
The decision was revealed during the association's preparatory meeting held at Mzuzu Stadium on Saturday, with May 4 set as the kickoff date for this year's league campaign.
In another move, the NRFA has increased affiliation fees, with premier league teams now required to pay K750,000, up from K500,000.
Division One sides will pay K400,000.
"Since there will be relegation for teams that will not do well in premier and division one, this will make competition stiff," said NRFA Vice General Secretary Desire Bellings.
"We encourage teams to use covered grounds to generate money."
Bellings explained that the bottom-placed Simso Innobuild League team will be relegated and replaced by the Division One champions, while Division One's bottom teams will make way for district league winners.
Felix Kaliwo, administrator for Mzuzu University FC, backed the relegation move, suggesting it will raise performance levels across the leagues.
"With the introduction of relegation, every team will make sure they perform well," Kaliwo said.
"We have seen an improvement in the management of the game in the region, which is a positive note."
The Simso Innobuild League and Division One will each feature four regional clusters for the upcoming 2024 season as the NRFA aims to intensify competitiveness through promotion and relegation.