Four girls and two boys from Malawi schools boys and girls teams have made it into the 2024 Caf African Schools Football Championship/Cosafa Qualifier best 11 after their impressive performances.
The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) released the girls and boys best 11 yesterday.
Striker Enelesi Fabiano, midfielder Juliet Kalua, defenders Martha Mwakikunga and Eunice Sintchaya have been selected in the girls’ team.
The four girls were influential as Malawi booked a spot at next year’s Caf African Schools Football Championship finals.
Malawi lost 2-1 to eventual champions South Africa but qualified for the finals after the latter already qualified for the continental showpiece finals as holders.
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In an interview, Malawi Girls Team Coach Bridget Chirwa said the girls deserved the recognition.
“I am happy with the girls. They played well throughout the tournament. This shows that we have talented players,” she said.
In the boys’ category, attacking midfielder Amos Nyirenda and Okester Kanyenda have been named in the best 11.
Kanyenda had a tournament to remember after scooping the Golden Boot award with four goals.
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Malawi Boys Team Coach Moses Chimbetete was also excited with the performance of the players.
“This is great news and is a motivation to the boys,” Chimbetete said.
The boys team exited the tournament in the semi-finals after a 2-1 loss to eventual champions South Africa.
Malawi Schools Sports Association (Massa) President Blackson Malamula hailed both teams for performing beyond expectations.
“Very few people gave the girls team a chance to qualify. But they have done us proud. We need to give the players all the support,” Malamula said.
Malawi girls team will make its maiden appearance at the continental showpiece after missing the previous editions in 2022 and 2023.
However, the boys team qualified for the inaugural edition held in Durban, South Africa.
Then, the team won bronze.
