Flames to miss Cosafa Cup for the first time

 Malawi’s withdrawal from the 2024 Cosafa Cup will mark the first time that the Flames will miss the tournament since its inception in 1997.

On Friday, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) announced the Flames’ withdrawal from the regional showpiece following the death of Vice-President Saulos Chilima in a plane crash alongside eight others in Mzimba on Monday.

The 23rd edition of the tournament is scheduled for South Africa from June 27 to July 7.

Malawi is among seven countries that have participated in every tournament. The others are Botswana, e-Swatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia.

Apart from the tragedy, FAM cited the tournament’s new dates as the other reason that influenced the decision.

Part of the press release from FAM reads: “Considering the sorrowful atmosphere as the result of the tragic passing of the State Vice-President the Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others and the subsequent 21-day mourning period declared by the government, FAM highly considered it insensitive to proceed with our preparations and subsequent participation in the championship.

“For this reason, the Malawi National Football Team will not be participating in the Cosafa tournament this year as a way of showing respect to the souls of the people who lost their lives in the tragedy.”

However, FAM said it remains committed to the technical development and growth of the national team.

It further reads: “To ensure continued preparation and competitive readiness, we will be arranging a series of international friendly matches in due course.

“We believe that stakeholders and the general public will find merit in our bold decision as we remain steadfast in unity during this difficult period.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the State President, His Excellency Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, the bereaved family of Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, families of the eight other people who lost their lives in the same tragedy and the entire nation.”

Meanwhile, Cosafa says it is looking for Malawi’s replacement at the tournament.

The draw of the competition was held on Friday. Group A has hosts South Africa, Mozambique, e-Swatini and Botswana. Group B has reigning champions Zambia, Comoros, Zimbabwe and a yet to be confirmed team while Group C has Angola, Namibia, Lesotho and Seychelles.