Some golden generation of the Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers players and officials, who won the 2023 Hollywoodbets Cosafa Cup in South Africa, could lose their plots for failing to fully develop their plots within a period of two years, Malawi News Sport can reveal.
This comes as the development period deadline is set to expire by April, 2026.
The government under former State president Lazarus Chakwera gave each member of the delegation a piece of land in Area 45 in Lilongwe for winning their first ever Hollywoodbets Cosafa Cup following a 2-1 victory over Zambia in 2023.
On top of that, Chakwera then gave each member K1.5 million as a token of appreciation during a luncheon he hosted at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
But a recent visit to the site shows that only a few structures have been erected.
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As per land laws, the Scorchers were advised to develop the plots within a certain period when they were allocated the land.
“Take further notice that you will be required to fully develop the said plot within a period of two years. Failure to commence development on the said plot within the said period (two) years will lead to the termination of lease, re-entry of the plot and re-allocation of the same to another prospective developer.
“You should also take note that you will not be allowed to sell the plot to the third party before carrying out your approved developments,” the Scorchers were advised.
Spokesperson in the Ministry of Lands Mphatso Nkuonera asked for more time before commenting on the matter.
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“Let me come back to you,” Nkuonera said.
But some conditions were waived as the plot was given as a gift for successfully winning the Cosafa Cup.
“Take note you will not be required to pay development charges, fees and duties as the plot was allocated as a gift,” the document stated.
Meanwhile, Scorchers striker Sabina Thom, who has successfully developed her plot, said she values it a lot.
“I have invested a lot to develop the plot. I am working on some finishing but I am happy that I have managed to build my house,” she said.
In an interview, spokesperson for the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Macmillan Mwale urged the players and officials to use the plots for their intended purpose.
“Sports is a rewarding career. The players and officials have fixed assets. We are looking forward to them developing the area,” Mwale said.
Each member was given a piece of land of 30 metres by 25 metres, valued at K11 million, then.
The Scorchers won the Cosafa Cup after beating Zambia 2-1 at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
Last month, the Scorchers qualified for their first ever TotalEnergies Caf Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) finals after beating Angola 2-0 on aggregate.
Following the qualification, Football Association of Malawi (Fam) rewarded the players with K1.5 million as token of appreciation.
