NRFA casts doubt on Innobuild partnership renewal

The Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) has cast doubts on the renewal of their sponsorship with the real estate company, Innobuild Private Limited Company.

The Association’s General Secretary, Masiya Nyasulu revealed the development on Sunday in Mzimba at the Jenda Community Ground when they launched the 2024 season. However, Nyasulu said the Association will unveil the “new” sponsors next week.

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“For now, let’s not mix them [Innobuild and Simso] because we are rebranding our sponsorship whose sponsors will be revealed next week. Currently, we have Simama only, we are not including Innobuild in our this year’s sponsors,” said Nyasulu.

Innobuild Chief Executive Officer, Billy Jonathan Chiwotha couldn’t be available to comment on the matter when contacted.

Innobuild partnered with Simama to bankroll the Northern Region Football Club in 2022 and they have been in marriage for two years. The package of the first year was at MK5 Million before increasing it in 2023 to MK10 Million taking the total package to MK15 Million as Simama pumps in MK5 Million annually.

The 2024 Northern Region Football League has been valued at MK25 Million making it the highest-sponsored regional league in Malawi.

Football Association of Malawi President, Fleetwood Haiya said FAM will make sure that the sponsorship for the regional leagues is increased to bring stiff competition.

“The increase in regional league sponsorships will also help to increase the competition in the regional leagues. It will bring happiness to Malawi’s football. With that competition, we believe that we are going to have strong players, competitive teams which will trickle to the National Team and we are going to have a strong National Team,” he said.

During the launching ceremony, Jenda FC and Embangweni shared spoils after a barren stalemate.

Here are the results in the Simso League *WEEK ONE*

SUNDAY 05/05/2024

1. Jenda United 0️⃣➖0️⃣ Embangweni United
2. Songwe Boarder United 2️⃣➖1️⃣ Chitipa White Movers
3. Simbowe Stars 3️⃣➖1️⃣ Chihame All Stars
4. Mzuni FC 0️⃣➖1️⃣ Ekwaiwen Tafika Sports Academy
5. Mhuju FC 0️⃣➖0️⃣ Karonga Giants
6. Sporting FC 2️⃣➖1️⃣ Raiply FC ( Lucky Mkandawire, Daniel Nyirenda : Joseph Zalimba)
7. Chilumba Barracks 2️⃣➖1️⃣ Iponga FC
8. Euthini Veterans 1️⃣➖1️⃣ Euthini Pirates ( Clever Kaira : Thomas Botha)
9. Chintheche United 1️⃣➖0️⃣ Chibavi Real Stars
10. Lube Masters 2️⃣➖1️⃣ Ekwendeni Hardnockers ( Aldof Kasambala, Gawi Msiska : Maxwell Mbizi)
11. Ekwendeni United 0️⃣➖0️⃣ Chipolopolo Boyz FC
12. Likoma United 1️⃣➖0️⃣ Chizumulu United ( Junior Nkhoma)