Scorchers’ coach Lovemore Fazili has played down the absence of some key players ahead of the upcoming friendlies against South Africa.
Banyana Banyana will host the Malawi Women’s National Footnball Team on Saturday and Tuesday.
The matches will be played on Fifa women’s international window and will be considered for the next Fifa rankings on which the Scorchers are 154, 100 steps behind their hosts.
The Scorchers left for South Africa on Wednesday and Fazili said he has confidence in the squad despite the absence of some stars such as France-based strikers Tabitha Chawinga and Rose Kabzere and US-based forward Temwa Chawinga, who have been ruled out due to South Africa’s late confirmation for the friendlies.
Foreign-based players available for the matches are Democratic Republic of Congo-based Chimwemwe Madise as well as Vanessa Chikupira and Bernadetta Mkandawire, who are based in Kazakhstan and Sabina Thom, who has just signed for Georgian women’s top league side Lanchkhuti.
“Of course, it’s disappointing to miss some players, but the local-based players are improving and gaining exposure. With the addition of some foreign-based players, we will build a strong team,” Fazili said.
He also emphasised the importance of friendlies in preparing for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) second round qualifier against Angola on October 20.
“Every international friendly match is crucial for us. These matches will help us develop the team. I thank FAM for organising the games. We have been lacking such preparatory games,” Fazili said.
The friendlies against South Africa are coming over a month after the Scorchers faced Zambia in two other international friendlies. Then, Malawi lost 2-0 and won 3-2.
The following is the full squad that has travelled to South Africa: Goalkeepers: Mercy Sikelo, Yamikani Kaonga and Ireen Sibande; Defenders: Chimwemwe Madise, Bernadettar Mkandawire, Ireen Khumalo, Rose Alufandika, Maureen Kenneth, Maggie Chavula, Justina and Olivia Phikani; Midfielders: Leticia Chinyamula,Tendai Sani, Zainab Kapanda, Jessie Yosefe, Funny Magombo, Caroline Mathyola, Lydia Mcochoma and Faruna Umali; Strikers: Chisomo Banda, Vitumbiko Mkandawire, Sabina Thom and Vanessa Chipikula.
