National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has congratulated the Malawi National Women’s Football Team, the Scorchers for reaching the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) final and qualifiying for the Brazil 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup.
The Scorchers defeated Algeria 3-1 in the semi-finals make it to the final where they will face Cameroon on Sunday.
In a statement, NBM plc chief executive officer (CEO) Harold Jiya said as a sponsor the bank was proud of the the players, the technical team, National Women’s Football Association, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and everyone who contributed to the team’s historic achievement.
The statement reads in part: “As a bank that has consistently believed in the potential of women’s football, we are immensely proud to have supported the women’s league and the national team on this journey.”
NBM are the official sponsors of the Scorchers and also bankroll the inaugural women’s national league, the NBM Women’s Premiership.
Jiya said the bank’s investment in women’s football was driven by the belief that supporting women’s sport was an investment in Malawi’s future.
He said: “That is why we launched the NBM Women’s Premiership to uncover women’s talent in football and we are proud to see it bearing fruits as the Scorchers make it to the finals of the Wafcon and to the World Cup.”
He described the Scorchers’ progress as a powerful affirmation of the bank’s commitment to women’s football, saying their success had brought pride, inspiration and hope to the nation.
“You have shown that with talent, determination and the right support, Malawian women can conquer the world’s biggest stages,” said Jiya.
He further assured the Scorchers that the bank would continue supprting the team.
Said Jiya: “You believed. We believed. Malawi believes.”
The Scorchers’ historic Wafcon run has generated nationwide excitement, with the team’s achievement marking a significant milestone for Malawi women’s football.
President Peter Mutharika and First Lady Gertrude have also hailed the team for reaching the final.
Posting on his official Facebook page, the President said: “Congratulations Scorchers.”
The First Lady said: “Congratulations to the Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, for reaching the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations currently underway in Morocco!
“Tonight is not just about the victory over Algeria; it is about making history as the first debutant nation to reach the final of this coveted continental tournament.
“Now, only 90 minutes separate us from claiming the ultimate prize in African women’s football. Let’s bring the trophy home that your number one fan awaits!”
