The 2017 Simama Premier Division for the Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) will kick off on April 22 with six new teams registered.
NRFA has confirmed registering newcomers Fish Eagles, Ipota Shooting Stars, Lura United, Manyamula FC, Embangweni United and Katoto United.
The rookies have joined Karonga United, Chilumba Barracks, Ekwendeni Hammers, Ekwendeni United, Zolozolo United, Luwinga FC, Kawaza, Rumphi Medicals, Rumphi Pirates and Lufita.
The division now has 16 teams, minus Kabwafu FC, Mchengautuwa United and Mzuzu United, who have pulled out.
NRFA General Secretary, Masiya Nyasulu, said the teams have withdrawn due to lack of funds.
He said the association was strict on teams’ financial capacity as a pre-condition for registration.
“All this is to ensure that we avoid last year’s scenerio when we had so many flaws. We look forward to improving on that,” Nyasulu said.
“We would like to change the mindset that this is just a mere regional showpiece. Teams have to realise that every fixture they fulfil prepares them for the national league. Therefore, the discipline they will be exercising in the Premier Division is crucial to Malawi football.”
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