DD Sunshine to tour China
The Chinese ambassador to Malawi Liu Hongyang has promised top women football side DD Sunshine FC a tour to China.
The ambassador made the pledge on Wednesday in Lilongwe during a dinner to honour Tabitha Chawinga exploits in the top Chinese Women Football League in which she emerged top gal scorer in the 2018 season.
He said this is in recognition of the club’s efforts to nurture and develop Chawinga into a world-class player that she is.
Hongyan said the team will tour some Chinese provinces where they will also friendly matches with some top teams.
“You have done a good job in making Tabitha a top player. We want more Tabithas from Malawi. We have organised a trip for DD Sunshine to China where you can explore China and exchange experiences.
“We are impressed with the success of Tabitha Chawinga in the Chinese league. She has shown great levels of performance and that’s why we are honouring her,” said the ambassador, who gave Chawinga a smartphone and 10 balls.
DD Sunshine director of football James Chavula thanked the Chinese Government for the offer, saying it will be a life time experience for the players.
“Firstly I thank Tabitha because we have been invited because of her exploits.. We also thank the Chinese ambassador for honouring her, This will act as a motivation for her to achieve more. The trip will offer a lifetime experience,” he said.
“The trip will be a great platform of exposure for our players. I believe by the time we wind up the tour, we would have few players remaining because Chinese teams will sign most of our players. We have a talented squad,” said Chavula.
On her part, Chawinga also thanked Hongyang and the Chinese Government.
“I am honoured and will work hard to achieve more. It is also a great opportunity for my former DD Sunshine team-mates to get exposed through this trip to China. We thank the Chinese ambassador for this consideration,” she said.
Chawinga won the Golden Boot Award in her debut season with 17 goals and helped her team Jiangsu Suning to a second-place finish. She has also been nominated for the CAF African Footballer of the Year Award for the second year running .n
