Malawi women’s national football team top striker, Temwa Chawinga, arrived in the country Sunday from Sweden ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games qualifier against Kenya at Kamuzu Stadium on Wednesday.
Temwa jetted in Sunday through Chileka International Airport in Blantyre to put to rest fears that surrounded her arrival for the crucial match.
The fears emanated from arrangements by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) to hold demonstrations at the country’s borders and major airports.
It was feared that the demonstrations would affect flights into the country for five days from today.
However, Malawi Revenue Authority and Airport Developments Limited obtained an injunction restraining HRDC from holding the demonstrations close to their premises.
As of Sunday, the coalition was yet to have it lifted.
Temwa was the chief architect of Malawi’s 11-0 home win over Mozambique in the first round when she scored five goals and netted once in the 3-1 away win.
Her elder sister and She-Flames Captain, Tabitha, is expected to arrive today from China through Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe.
Speaking before joining her teammates at Chiwembe Technical Centre, Temwa said she was excited to be part of the squad for the match.
“It is every player’s wish to be part of their national team at all times. I wear the national jersey with pride and I am happy to be here for the game against Kenya,” she said.
She-Flames Coach, Abel Mkandawire, said he had been sharing notes with the two sisters on his game-plan.
“These are talented players and they will not struggle to fit into the system. We have been talking on the phone and they know their roles and what I expect from them,” Mkandawire said.
He expressed satisfaction with his charges’ response to training, saying they had addressed weaknesses observed during the Cosafa tournament.
Mkandawire said the team had been playing against men’s developmental sides to enhance their competitiveness.
“The major emphasis during our training sessions has been on winning back and maintaining ball possession. It is pleasing that the players are able to win possession and maintain it. We have been giving the ball away cheaply during our games but now we are much better,” he said.
The winner between Malawi and Kenya will face either Gabon or Ghana in the third round.
