Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has granted Football Association of Malawi (Fam) permission to host the 2024 Caf Women’s Champions League/Cosafa Qualifier slated for August 15 to 24 in the country.
The Council of Southern African Football Associations (Cosafa) granted Fam hosting rights for the Cosafa Qualifier, whose winner will automatically qualify for the continental showpiece finals.
However, Fam wrote government, requesting a Letter of Guarantee to host the tournament.
The letter confirms, government’s support towards hosting of the tournament.
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Among other things, the letter confirms granting of visas for the visiting teams, officials and media and also a waiver on duties on the permanent or temporary importation of goods into Malawi required for the organisation of the tournament.
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In an interview Monday, spokesperson Macmillan Mwale said Fam has been given approval to host the tournament.
“We, as government, are ready to provide assistance as the tournament boosts sports tourism and sports development in the country,’’ Mwale said.
On top of that, the Letter of Guarantee confirms government’s support to provide security services to the match venues, traffic escort services and medical services.
However, Fam General Secretary Alfred Gunda said he would comment on the matter at an appropriate time.
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Cosafa confirmed that the tournament would take place in Malawi.
However, Cosafa did not indicate the exact hosting city of the tournament.
Times Sport understands that the tournament will take place in Blantyre.
According to Cosafa eight teams will take part in this year’s competitions.
Malawi’s Ascent Soccer Academy will make their debut appearance after winning the Fam Goshen Women’s Championship following a 1-0 victory over MDF Lionesses.
The eight teams will be drawn into two groups of four, with the top teams advancing to the semi-finals.
Two-time Caf Women’s Champions League winners and current holders Mamelodi Sundowns have already qualified for the Afcon finals; so, they will take part in this year’s Cosafa Qualifier.
“This means the Southern African region will have two teams at the continental showpiece and the winning side from the qualifiers in Malawi,” the Cosafa website reads.
The Cosafa Qualifier will attract Ascent (Malawi), Green Buffaloes (Zambia), Lichinga (Mozambique), Gaborone United (Botswana), Herentals Queens (Zimbabwe), University of Western Cape (South Africa), Ongos FC (Namibia) and Young Buffaloes (eSwatini).
Ascent will be the second Malawian side to take part after Kukoma Ntopwa last year.
Ascent Coach Thom Mkolongo said it would be an advantage playing on home soil.
“This is good and we will intensify our preparations,” Mkolongo, whose troops are in Iceland for the Rey Cup and also preparing for the tournament, said.
