Blantyre-based Ntopwa women’s team has passed Club Licencing requirements to participate in the 2023 Cosafa qualifiers for the Caf Women’s Champions League.
The qualifiers are scheduled for September 7 to 16 in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa.
Ntopwa qualified for the tournament after winning the 2022 Fam National Women’s Championship following a 5-3 victory over Ascent Academy at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Compliance and Club Licencing Manager Casper Jangale said Ntopwa confirmed their participation in the qualifiers.
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“They fulfilled the requirements and confirmed their participation in the tournament. We have since advised them on what they need to do going forward,” Jangale said.
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Ntopwa have drawn a tentative budget of K40 million for their maiden appearance in the tournament.
The team’s owner Isaac ‘Jomo’ Osman said they have arranged various fundraising activities ahead of the qualifiers.
“We are working hard to generate resources for this trip. There are several companies, individuals and organisations we are engaging in this matter. We have approached them and indications are that they are ready to help us. This is possible and we will do it,” Osman said.
He said the delegation to the tournament will have 28 people including players and officials.
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Ntopwa will be the first Malawian women’s football team to take part in the tournament.
FCB Nyasa Bullets Women and Silver Strikers Ladies (formerly DD Sunshine) expressed interest in registering for the event last year but failed after missing the deadline.
National Women’s Football Association (NWFA) Chairperson Adelaide Migogo appealed to companies and individuals to assist Ntopwa.
“Ntopwa are helping the girl child by promoting women’s football and they deserve our support. They are our representatives and we should be proud to send them to represent us at the competition,” Migogo said.
South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns are the competition’s defending champions.
