Northern Regional F.A adopts division two zonal league

7th of May, 2011

The Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) adopted a zonal league format for the 2011 division two competition following an overwhelming endorsement by the clubs to play the league system at its meeting today.

Hitherto, the competition was played in a zonal knock out format which contravenes the definition of a league stipulated in the statutes of the Ghana Football Association as explained at the meeting by Arc. Jawhari Baba-Duah, deputy CEO of Tamale Utrecht Football Club. Arc. Baba-Duah added that playing a zonal league format will offer adequate competition for the clubs and create much exposure to the young and budding stars. He stressed that, there was no way clubs could develop players to the required potential with the old three match knock out format and thus called on the clubs to consider the league format that in his opinion will lift the image of the game in the region.

Concerns over security in playing the league format was diffused when the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Saboba and chairman of Saboba Oti Stars FC, Hon. Adolf Ali hinted that, matters of security are concerns to the districts and that DCES would be very willing to support the organisation of security for such football matches in their districts. He also added that club executives should be disciplined on the fields since that can control stadium hooliganisms.

The chairman of the NRFA Alhaji Adam Munkaila noted that the NRFA is establishing contacts with the District assemblies to support the clubs financially so as to reduce the financial burden on the clubs. He added that his body is also working assiduously to secure sponsorship for the league.

The house later constituted a committee to look into the zoning of the clubs and draw the league schedule to be played, before a date is fixed for the commencement of the league. The committee included the NRFA division two working committee, Arc Jawhari Baba-Duah, Mr. Sey Mubarak, Mr. Adam Ibrahim and Mr. Mohammed Tahir.