DDFA moves in the right direction to fulfill promises

On April 11, 2025, Dedza District Football Association’s affiliates voted for new office bearers with a simple message: “Give us more competitions.”

On that day, General Secretary for the Central Region Football Association Antonio Manda urged the association to remain united if they wanted to achieve what they were elected to do. He highlighted that it is always difficult for newly elected officials to work toward a common goal, but emphasized the importance of unity in order to gain the trust of potential sponsors.

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“We want them to provide a proper platform for rural talent to be exposed and produce more players who will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Stanley Sanudi, Maxwell Phodo Gasten, Dan Chimbalanga, and Lameck Gamphani,” Manda said.

Chairperson of the association, Chiku Watson Babu, who went unopposed, promised to work with everyone for the betterment of the game in the district.

“We are here to change the face of Dedza football by having more competitions,” Babu said.

Seven months later, on Sunday, November 16, 2025, history was made as the association, in collaboration with NIJ Agro Mix Traders, launched the NIJ Agro Dealers Dedza District Division One League with a sponsorship package worth K4 million.

Those who attended the launch applauded Ajawa and the association for the colorful ceremony, noting that it demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting the game.

Former Chairperson of Dedza District Youth Football Committee Elijah Amon Ngondo said what they witnessed that day was unprecedented.

“As one of the football officials in Dedza, I am happy to see this development, and I applaud Ajawa for coming up with this league,” said Ngondo, who is also team manager for Goshen City Dedza Dynamos FC.

Christopher Zinyongo, one of the district’s football coaches, said the entry of NIJ Agro Mix Traders into football is a testament that things are moving in the right direction toward empowering rural talent.

“This is what we have been lacking, and I urge players to maintain their discipline in the league by focusing on proving their potential,” Zinyongo said.

Owner of NIJ Agro Mix Traders, Ishmael Ajawa, echoed Manda’s April 11 remarks: “I want this league to produce more players who can compete in the country’s top league.”

Ajawa made it clear that he has come well prepared and that this is just the beginning of more good things to come.

“NIJ is here to stay, and together with DDFA, we will work on promoting our district in football,” Ajawa said.

General Secretary for the association, Hashim Shosholozi Adam, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to running the league in a professional manner.