Malawi Women’s National Football Team strikers Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga have confirmed their availability for the international friendly against Zambia’s Copper Queens next week.
The friendlies are scheduled for February 20 and 23rd in Lusaka, Zambia. This could be a big boost for Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili.
The two sisters last played together for the Scorchers in 2020 during the Cosafa Women’s Championship in South Africa.
In an interview Thursday, the Olympique Lyonnais Feminine striker (Tabitha) said she was ready to represent her country.
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“This is an important game for the whole team not only me. It is a good opportunity for me to play for the Malawi badge,” Tabitha said.
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Tabitha, who last played for the team during the 2022 Cosafa Championship, did not disclose when she will arrive for the matches.
Her sister Temwa also confirmed her availability for the matches.
“I am just waiting for official communication from my team,’’ the Kansas City Current striker said.
Temwa last played for the team in 2023 and the Scorchers clinched their first ever Cosafa Women’s Championship.
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But Football Association of Malawi (Fam) President Fleetwood Haiya said seven foreign country –based players have confirmed their availability.
“We planned to have all eleven foreign based players for these two matches but three of them have excused themselves that they are sitting for examinations,” Haiya said.
Apart from the Chawinga sisters, five foreign country-based players such as Rose Kabzere who plays for Montpellier in France, Democratic Republic of Congo side TP Mazembe duo of Sabina Thom and Chimwemwe Madise as well as Kazakhstan side duo of BIIK Shymkent side Vanesa Chikupira and Bernadette Mkandawire are also expected to be available for the Zambia matches.
Fazili, is expected to announce his final squad next week, said he was happy about the possibility of having some key players.
“It always motivates the other girls to work hard,” Fazili said.
Newly appointed Copper Queens coach Nora Hauptle is also expected to feature players such as Barbra Banda and Rachel Kundananji.
