Minister to fight for women’s football
By Mabvuto Kambuwe:
Sports Minister Grace Chiumia has said she will engage other partners to pump more resources in women’s football in the country.
Chiumia was speaking during the final of the women’s football Presidential Cup at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday.
The minister said she was motivated with great skills shown by players during the tournament.
“I am very impressed with the performance of the players during this tournament. This has motivated us to lobby for more funding for women’s football. I will continue to lobby for more funding so that female footballers can have more chances of showcasing their skills,” Chiumia said.
National Women’s Football Association Chairperson, Severia Chalira, said she was also impressed with the talent on display.
“It has been a wonderful journey since we started and we are happy that we have seen more players through the tournament,” Chalira said.
During the finals, DD Sunshine displayed a solid performance when they beat rivals Skippers FC 3-2 to win the cup.
Enelesio Mhango opened the scores just 20 seconds after kick-off but Love Nyakamera equalised for Skippers in the 12th minute. The two teams went for recess with the score at 1-1.
Just minutes after resumption, Bernadetta Nyanga put Skippers into the lead but substitute Gladys Banda netted a brace to win the cup for DD.
DD Coach, Andrew Chikhosi, praised his charges for playing according to their game plan.
“We knew that they would come hard on us but we had a special plan. The players worked hard and I am very happy with what I saw,” Chikhosi said.
Skippers Coach, Collie Pofera, said his side lost to a better team.
“It was a good game but our opponents played better football. That is the reality of football and we have to accept it,” Pofera said.
For winning the cup, DD pocketed K3 million plus a trophy whereas Skippers got K1 million. Ntopwa Queens and CY Sisters got K500,000 each as losing semi-finalists.
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