The Chawinga Sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, continue to shine in foreign women leagues where they lead the scoring charts.
After being reduced to a sideshow following an injury, Tabitha has found her feet in the Chinese Premier League in which she is the leading scorer with six goals from nine games and is on course to win the Golden Boot Award in only her debut season.
“It’s all about commitment and hardwork. Had it not been for the injury I had in the early days of the season, I am sure I could have scored more,” said Tabitha whose side Jiangsu Suning is fourth in the eight-team Chinese top-flight women’s league.
Her sister Temwa is the leading scorer in the Swedish second-tier Elitettan League with 16 goals, three above pursuers Sandra Lagerbratt (Lidkoping FC) and Karin Lundin (Kungsbacka).
Temwa is also at the hub of her team Kvarnsvedens IK’s quest for a return in the Swedish top league as they lead the 14-team league with 28 points from 12 games, just a point above second-placed KIF Orebro.
Ironically, Temwa is also playing her maiden season in Sweden along with team-mate and compatriot Sabina Thom.
National women football team assistant coach Andrew ‘Aluki’ Chikhosi said the development is good for Malawi women football.
“They are key players for the national team and hopefully their performance will extend to international level,” he said.
Tabitha moved to the Chinese club at the start of the season from the Swedish team Kvarnsvedens IK where she won the Golden Boot Award despite her former team being relegated. n
