NEW FACE—Top goal scorer HenryMalawi Women’s National Football Team head coach Lovemore Fazili has included four African-based players in a 32-member provisional squad for the Cosafa Women’s Championship.
With 46 days remaining before Malawi kick off their maiden Total Energies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) campaign in Morocco, the Cosafa Women’s Championship is expected to provide vital match exposure.
Speaking during a press briefing at Mpira Village Friday, Fazili said the tournament will be important in evaluating players and fine-tuning tactics.
“Our aim is to compete and not just take part. We want to go as far as we can,” he said.
The Scorchers will open camp Sunday, ahead of the tournament scheduled for February 18 to March 1 in South Africa.
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The team will start residential camp on February 13 as part of preparations for both the regional Cosafa showpiece and the Wafcon.
Defender Chimwemwe Madise, who plays for DR Congo giants TP Mazembe, leads the squad and is expected to bring leadership, experience and tactical discipline to the Scorchers’ backline.
Also recalled is Morocco-based forward Sabina Thom of Phoenix Football Féminin Marrakech, whose pace and attacking flair are expected to boost the team.
Midfielder Vanessa Chikupila of Egypt’s Palm Hills Women’s FC adds balance and creativity in midfield, while Tendai Sani of ZISD and Zambia-based striker Chisomo Banda of Konkola Blades Queens further strengthen the squad.
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Banda’s proven scoring record in the competitive Zambian league offers added depth to Malawi’s attacking options.
Fazili has also rewarded local form by naming Deborah Henry, the top scorer in the recently concluded NBM Women’s Premiership.
The squad includes seven goalkeepers, a decision the coach said is aimed at promoting competition and thorough assessment.
“We want healthy competition in camp, especially among goalkeepers,” he said.
Fazili confirmed that goalkeeper Thoko Mwase has fully recovered from injury, while midfielder Asimenye Simwaka, who last played in September last year, was now fit and available for selection.
At the continental finals, the Scorchers were drawn in a tough Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, Egypt and Zambia.
Malawi secured their Wafcon qualification after beating Angola 2-0 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, marking a historic achievement for women’s football in the country.
The Cosafa tournament is therefore seen as a key platform for shaping the final squad and building momentum ahead of Malawi’s stern test against Africa’s elite.
Scorchers squad:
Goalkeepers: Thoko Mwase, Mercy Sikelo, Catherine Chisomo, Vanessa Gondwe, Annie Kasiya, Tamara Chinyamula, Prisca Zgambo
Defenders: Chimwemwe Madise (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Chimwemwe Chibande, Rose Kadzere, Flora Mitole, Annet Ng’ambi, Martha Kaonga, Trust Mbeya
Midfielders: Vanessa Chikupila (Palm Hills Women’s FC, Egypt), Asimenye Simwaka, Tendai Sani (ZISD), Asimenye Mkwaila, Maureen Kachinga, Memory Kanjedza, Grace Kadzere, Martha Chirwa
Forwards: Sabina Thom (Phoenix Football Féminin Marrakech, Morocco), Chisomo Banda (Konkola Blades Queens, Zambia), Deborah Henry, Tabitha Chawinga, Ruth Chimenya, Bernadette Mkandawire, Prisca Chilunga.