Tag Archives: Malawi Women’s National Football Team head coach Lovemore Fazili

Sports

Malawi’ Scorchers eye global test at FIFA series in Kenya

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Women’s National Football Team head coach Lovemore Fazili has applauded the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) for securing the Scorchers’ participation in the upcoming FIFA Series tournament in Kenya, describing the move as a major boost for the team’s international ambitions.

Fazili said the opportunity comes at a crucial time, as the Scorchers continue shaping a competitive squad capable of challenging at the highest level.

He believes exposure to top tier opposition will accelerate the team’s growth and sharpen its edge ahead of key assignments.

The FIFA Series will bring together four nations Malawi, hosts Kenya, India and Australia .

According to Fazili, facing teams from outside Africa offers a rare platform for the Scorchers to measure themselves against different football philosophies, something he says is vital for tactical development and adaptability.

He stressed that such high profile matches are essential in preparing the team for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals in Morocco, where Malawi will be aiming to make a strong impression.

Fazili added that the tournament will give the technical panel a valuable opportunity to assess both strengths and areas that need improvement before heading into the continental showpiece.

Meanwhile, sports analyst Henry Gome has also urged the Scorchers to fully utilize the tournament as a preparatory platform for WAFCON, especially pointing to Australia as a strong opponent capable of providing a true test of Malawi’s readiness.

However, there are concerns over the availability of key striker Temwa Chawinga, who is currently nursing an injury, casting doubt on whether she will feature in the tournament.

Malawi will begin their campaign with a high stakes clash against Australia on April 11, a match expected to set the tone for their journey in the competition.

The winner of that encounter will advance to the final, where they will meet the victor between Kenya and India four days later.

Teams that fall short in their opening fixtures will still have a chance to compete in a third place playoff.

Sports

Malawi’ Scochers target COSAFA final as Coach Fazili names 32 player provisional squad

Shaffie A Mtambo

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.