I rarely write about football. Those who know my work will attest that my interests usually lie elsewhere; governance, gender equality, public policy and the issues that shape our society.
But the Malawi National Women’s Football Team’s performances at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) have done what few sporting events manage to do; they have united Malawians across political, regional and social divides in celebration of excellence.
match. | Courtesy of FAM
The Scorchers have made us proud. Their historic victories over defending champions Nigeria and Egypt were not just football results; they were reminders that determination, discipline and belief can sometimes overcome the biggest odds.
They have demonstrated courage, discipline and resilience against opponents with far superior resources and football infrastructure, reminding us that greatness is not always determined by the size of a budget.
Indeed, they have announced Malawi’s arrival on one of Africa’s biggest sporting stages.
As someone who has always been passionate about gender equality, I see their success as extending far beyond football. It is a powerful lesson for all of us who continue to advocate for greater investment in women and girls.
For too long, investment in women’s sport has often been viewed as an afterthought. Resources are directed elsewhere, sponsorship remains limited and recognition is frequently reserved for the men’s game. Yet the Scorchers have demonstrated that investing in women is not a favour, but rather an investment capable of delivering remarkable returns.
This is not to belittle the Flames, our men’s national football team. They too carry the hopes of a nation every time they step onto the pitch and deserve our support. But it is impossible to ignore the contrast between the achievements of the two teams in recent years.
While the Flames continue to search for consistency on the continental stage, the Scorchers have captured Africa’s attention with fearless, entertaining and effective football. They have shown that Malawi belongs in conversations about the continent’s elite teams.
What makes these achievements even more remarkable is that many members of the Scorchers have had to overcome enormous obstacles to reach this stage.
Some have trained under difficult conditions. Local players often compete in leagues that receive minimal funding and limited media attention. Facilities remain inadequate, and opportunities for professional development are nowhere near what their counterparts in many African countries enjoy.
Yet despite these constraints, they have defeated teams whose players benefit from significantly better investment.
Imagine what they could achieve if they enjoyed the same level of support!
That question should challenge all of us.
Government must recognise that investing in women’s sport is investing in national development.
The Football Association of Malawi must continue strengthening grassroots structures so that more girls have a pathway into professional football.
Corporate Malawi too should seize this opportunity to sponsor a team that has captured the nation’s imagination and shown enormous marketing potential.
But this responsibility does not rest with institutions alone.
As citizens, we must also change our attitudes. We cannot celebrate the Scorchers only when they are winning on the continental stage and then return to ignoring women’s football once the tournament ends.
Genuine support means attending local matches, following the women’s league, encouraging our daughters to play sport and demanding equal recognition for female athletes.
The momentum created by the Scorchers should not be allowed to fade.
Beyond their footballing brilliance, what has impressed me most is their determination.
Whether defending a lead with 10 players or facing some of Africa’s most celebrated teams without fear, they have displayed qualities that every Malawian can admire; discipline, teamwork, resilience and belief.
Those are qualities our nation desperately needs.
The Scorchers have shown that being underestimated is not a permanent condition. With preparation, commitment and confidence, it is possible to exceed expectations and rewrite the script.
There is no doubt that they have also inspired young girls across Malawi to believe that their dreams are valid. Somewhere, a girl is watching Tabitha Chawinga, Temwa Chawinga, Rose Kabzere, Faith Chinzimu and their teammates, daring to dream bigger than ever before.
That may well become the Scorchers’ greatest legacy.
Whatever happens in the remainder of the tournament, these women have already won something priceless: the admiration of a nation and the respect of a continent.
Now it is our turn to play our part.
Let us reward their sacrifice with sustained investment, replace applause with action, and create an environment where today’s success becomes tomorrow’s standard rather than a once-in-a-generation story.
