BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Women’s National Football Team head coach Lovemore Fazili has declared that his main ambition is to see the Scorchers reach the final of the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship, which kicks off on February 17 this year.
Fazili made the remarks following the release of a provisional squad of 32 players who are expected to enter camp in the coming week as preparations for the regional tournament intensify.
One notable feature of the squad is the inclusion of seven goalkeepers, a move Fazili says is deliberate and aimed at creating stiff competition in the goalkeeping department.
The selected goalkeepers are Mercy Sikelo, Thoko Mwase, Yamikani Kaonga, Martha Mabwe, Jane Nyirenda, Bridget Malemia and Esther Maulidi.
These goalkeepers come from various local clubs including FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women, MDF Lioness, Civil Service Women and Mighty Wanderers Queens.
In defence, Fazili has named players such as Chimwemwe Madise, Ireen Khumalo, Rose Alufandika, Maggie Chavula, Doreen Dickson, Benadetta Mkandawire and Justina Jumbo.
The defenders represent a mix of local and international experience, with clubs such as Silver Strikers Ladies, Ascent Soccer Academy, Civil Service Women and DR Congo giants TP Mazembe represented.
The midfield department includes several established names, among them Madina Nguluwe, Jessie Yosefe, Asimenye Simwaka, Lyna James, Funny Magombo and Catherine Kachala.
These midfielders are drawn from clubs like Silver Strikers Ladies, MDF Lioness, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Kukoma Ntopwa, giving the team balance and creativity in the middle of the park.
Up front, the Scorchers will rely on Debora Henry, Mary Chavinda, Vitumbiko Mkandawire, Chikondi Gondwe, Sabina Thom, Vanessa Chikupila, Tendai Sani and Chisomo Banda.The forwards play their trade at different clubs including Silver Strikers Ladies, Phoenix Football Feminin, Palm Hills Women’s FC, ZISD and Konkola Blades Queens.
The Scorchers head into the 2026 COSAFA Championship with confidence, having won the regional title in 2023.
