By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-In a gesture of camaraderie and encouragement, Tabitha Chawinga, the captain of the Malawi National Women’s football team “The Scorchers,” has expressed her best wishes to Ntopwa Super Queens football club as they embark on their 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifiers.
The team is set to face Lesotho Defence Force of Lesotho in their inaugural match in South Africa today, Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
Chawinga took to her Facebook page to convey her message of luck and support.
As the first team from Malawi to participate in this regional showcase, the players carry the national flag and an immense opportunity to showcase their talents and passion for football.
“Unity, teamwork, and hard work are the driving forces that will propel Ntopwa Queens to new heights in this tournament. Above all, remember to keep faith and trust in God as he is the one who gives you strength, and faith can move mountains,” she shared in her heartfelt post.
“Let’s kick start the challenge against Lesotho Defence Force with wholeheartedly as Ntopwa is not just a mere team, play lungs out to please our fans back,” reads part of her post.
Ntopwa Queens head coach James Sangala echoed the same emphasizing the significance of the team’s first match and their readiness to face the challenges ahead.
“Our primary focus is on the initial match against Lesotho Defence Force. While we have had access to footage of other teams. We acknowledge the lack of information on our opponents. Technically, tactically, and mentally, we have prepared the girls for this encounter,” Sangala explains confidently.
Ntopwa Super Queens will go head-to-head with Lesotho Defence Force at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban, South Africa, starting at 12:00 PM.
The team’s second group stage match is scheduled against Green Buffaloes on Friday, September 1, 2023, at the same venue, kicking off at 3:30 PM.
The team’s Group A journey will conclude with a match against Double Action Ladies of Botswana at the Princess Magogo Stadium on September 4.
In Group A, the Malawi Women’s National Football League champions, Ntopwa, are grouped alongside reigning champions Green Buffaloes of Zambia, Double Action Ladies of Botswana, and Lesotho Defence Force of Lesotho.
Group B features South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Olympic De Moroni of Comoros Island, Costa Do Sol of Mozambique, and Young Buffaloes of e-Swatini.