The 2025 SIMSO Northern Region Football League (NRFL) faces uncertainty after the Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) scrapped the cluster system in favor of a traditional home-and-away format involving 16 teams.
NRFA General Secretary Lupakisho Simwela confirmed the change in a circular to clubs.
“I would like to confirm your team’s readiness for the upcoming 2025 SIMSO NRFL season. As communicated earlier, this season we will not use clusters. Instead, 16 teams will compete in a home-and-away format,” indicated Simwela.
However, the move has sparked fears of mass withdrawals due to high travel costs. A trip from Chitipa to Mzimba is estimated at MK 2.7 million, while travel from Likoma to Chitipa could cost up to MK 3 million. This means a team playing 16 away games could spend over MK 48 million.
“The current format is a dream only rich teams can afford. We survive on donations from well-wishers and small gate collections. How are we supposed to raise millions just for transport?” said a concerned team managers.
Previously, the cluster system helped reduce costs by grouping teams geographically.
Local analyst James Zonga Msumba warned that the new setup could harm football in the Northern Region:
“The removal of the cluster system, while intended to bring fairness and competitiveness, does not reflect the economic realities of this region. If the NRFA truly wants football to grow here, they must first strengthen the economic foundations that support these clubs.”
Malawi24 has also learned that the decision was made without consulting clubs, putting NRFA Chairperson Masiya Nyasulu and his executive under pressure.
“If the NRFA does not reverse or adjust this system, we may see a record number of teams withdrawing before the season even kicks off,” warned another official.
With the season fast approaching, many clubs are struggling to balance ambition with affordability.
