Chawinga, Chimzimu return boosts Malawi Scorchers’ WAFCON ambitions

DODOMA-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, have received a major boost ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after the arrival of two of the country’s most influential stars, Tabitha Chawinga and Faith Chimzimu.

Head coach Lovemore Fazili expressed his delight at welcoming the duo back into camp as preparations intensify for the continental tournament scheduled for July.

The duo’s availability expected to strengthen a squad eager to make a mark on Africa’s biggest women’s football stage.

Chawinga, who plies her trade in France, has established herself as one of Africa’s finest footballers and remains the face of Malawian women’s football on the international stage.

Her return comes after uncertainty over whether she would be available for the upcoming assignments.

Faith Chimzimu, currently playing club football in Sweden, has also linked up with the national team, bringing valuable international experience and quality to the squad. Her arrival further enhances the team’s options in key areas of the pitch.

The Scorchers are set to face Tanzania in a series of international friendly matches designed to fine tune the team ahead of WAFCON.

The encounters will provide an important opportunity for the coaching panel to assess the squad’s readiness against competitive opposition.

For Fazili, the return of the two foreign-based stars is more than just a boost in numbers.

He believes their experience and winning mentality can inspire the entire squad during a critical stage of preparation.

“Having players of their calibre in camp gives us confidence and motivation.

They bring a different level of experience that benefits both the technical team and the players around them.”Fazili explained.

The coach noted that the friendlies against Tanzania will be used to correct mistakes, improve tactical discipline and build stronger understanding among players before the tournament begins.

Their arrival has also energized teammates who view Chawinga and Chimzimu as role models capable of lifting the team’s performance standards.

Young players, in particular, are expected to learn from the professionalism and work ethic of the two stars.

Lloyd M’bwana

I’m a Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resource (LUANAR)’s Environmental Science graduate (Malawi) and UK’s ICM Journalism and Media studies scholar. Also University of Malawi (UNIMA) Library Science Scholar. I have been The Malawi Country Manager and duty editor for the Maravi Post since 2019. My duty editor’s job is to ensure that the news is covered properly, that it is delivered on time, and that it is created to the standards set out in the editorial guidelines of the Maravi Post.