Ascent ready for big stage

Newly-crowned Goshen-FAM National Women’s  Football champions  Ascent Academy  say they will take part in the  Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Champions League Cosafa Qualifiers scheduled for August.

This follows an approval by the team’s  board on Monday. The Lilongwe-based outfit will become the second Malawian women’s outfit to compete in the continental showpiece after previous national champions Kukoma Ntopwa Women in 2022.

Ascent Academy coach Thom Mkolongo confirmed their participation in an interview yesterday, saying they believe they have a good side that can compete on the international stage.

“We are waiting for FAM to support us and give us guidance on how we should proceed on our first international adventure,” he said.

“We further plan to  beef up the squad with at least two or three players.”

Currently, Ascent boast four women’s national football team regulars, including  midfielder Leticia Chinyamula, who two weeks ago won the Most  Promising Women’s Footballer of the Year Award at the inaugural Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa)Awards.

Others are striker Rose Kabzere, who was also nominated for the award, as well as  defenders Maggie Chavula and Faith Chimzimu.

FAM president Fleetwood Haiya has since pledged “unwavering support” to the team as they prepare for their maiden international tournament.

He said: “As FAM, we will support any team carrying the Malawi flag. For Ascent, we are ready to give them guidance and assist them in any form, including camping, material and finances both at the Cosafa event and the actual CAF Champions League.

“Even if it means helping them to fundraise or talk to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, we are willing to facilitate that. All we want is that our ambassadors should not lack in their campaigns.”

National Women’s Football Association  chairperson Adellaide Migogo yesterday said she is  excited that Ascent have earned a slot in the international competition and she is confident the team will not disappoint.

“Ascent Academy  have  exciting young players  who can compete at any level. We wish them all the best,” she said.

Ascent were crowned national champions on Sunday at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe after beating MDF Lioness 1-0 in the final to secure a place in the regional tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Marriam Mnenula’s lone strike in the 15th minute was enough for the side to seal the title.

Last year, they lost in the final to Kukoma Ntopwa through post-match penalties.