Ntopwa Super Queens eye Caf tourney

Newly crowned Fam National Women’s Champions Ntopwa Super Queens have disclosed plans to participate in the third edition of the Caf Women’s Champions League.

Ntopwa qualified for the competition by virtue of being Malawi women’s champions after a 5-3 victory over Ascent Academy in post-match penalties at Mpira Stadium on Monday.

However, Ntopwa have to pass domestic club licensing to be eligible to participate in the tournament.

Cosafa was yet to announce dates and venue for the qualifiers.

Ntopwa coach and owner Isaac Jomo Osman said taking part in the Caf Champions League would help them gain exposure.

“We will definitely take part in the Caf Champions League. The competition will help us a lot. The players will gain international exposure,” Osman said.

Local teams have failed to participate in the qualifiers for two consecutive editions.

Recently, Nyasa Big Bullets Women and DD Sunshine (now Silver Strikers Ladies) expressed interest to take part in the tournament.

However, Bullets Chief Administration Officer Albert Chigoga said the club is yet to make a decision on the matter.

“As a club, we have not discussed the participation of our women’s team in the Caf tournament,” Chigoga said.

Silver Chief Executive Officer Faith Mzungu- Vilakati said it was too early as they have just finalised the process of buying Sunshine.

“Ideally, our goal is for our teams to participate in both local and international tournaments. However, with the women’s team because we have just adopted it, we are yet to decide,” she said.

Registration for the tournament was expected to close on May 31, 2023 but Ntopwa have until May 25 to finalise club licensing requirements.

Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Compliance Manager Casper Jangale said Ntopwa would be given priority as champions.

“We will provide them with all the documents. But they have to go through the Club Licencing process as requirements for the tournament,’’ Jangale said.

National Women’s Football Association (NWFA) president Adellaide Migogo hailed Ntopwa for their outstanding performance.

“This is good for women’s football in Malawi. We are in the right direction,’’ Migogo said.

South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns have won the tournament for two consecutive editions.