Two Malawi Women’s National Football Team youngsters, namely midfielders Rose Kabzere and Leticia Chinyamula, have been nominated for the inaugural Cosafa Women’s Most Promising Player award.
Cosafa released the list of nominees for the Women’s Promising Player category ahead of the inaugural awards slated for April 19 in Durban, South Africa.
The two Malawian starlets will compete against Zambian Esther Banda of Green Buffaloes.
“The category is for players aged 20 or under and covers their form for club and country. A panel of judges from across the region, having assessed their performances for the period of January 1 to December 31 2023, [will decide],’’ the Cosafa statement reads.
Kabzere and Chinyamula (both play for Ascent Academy) starred for the Scorchers as they lifted the 2023 Cosafa Women’s Championship following their 2-1 victory over Zambia at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, in October.
- Advertisement -
The youngsters featured in almost all the matches at the tournament.
Chinyamula scored two goals during the competition in the 4-3 win over South Africa and in the 3-1 win over Madagascar whereas Kabzere scored one goal in the 8-0 win over eSwatini.
“Kabzere was another player who shone as Malawi won the 2023 Cosafa Women’s Championship. Despite being only 17 years of age, she was steady throughout the campaign, playing in every match, including starting in the final.
“Chinyamula was a key player for Malawi. She started the match in the final and put in an excellent performance,’’ the statement reads.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Cosafa is also expected to announce nominees in other categories.
National Women’s Football Association Chairperson Adelaide Migogo said the players deserve it.
“It is not by fluke; the players had a good tournament. This will motivate more players to work hard at international tournaments,’’ Migogo said.
Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili, who guided the team to maiden Cosafa success, is also likely to be nominated for the regional award.
