Kabzere wins Cosafa U-17 Golden Boot
Malawi Under-17 national women’s football team captain Rose Kabzere’s sheer quality shone brightly at the just-ended Cosafa Under-17 Women’s Championship in Lilongwe where she won the Golden Boot Award.
The Lilongwe-based Ascent Soccer Academy striker scored eight goals in four matches and inspired Malawi to win bronze in the tournament which was also part of the Africa Union Sports Council Region 5 Games.
In an interview yesterday, the 16-year-old said her main target was to win the Player of the Tournament Award which went to champions South Africa’s playmaker Sinazo Ntshota.
She said: “My priority was to win the best player award and if not then emerge the top scorer.
“So, I guess it’s okay. I am equally excited to win the Golden Boot.”
The Form Two learner at Ascent Private School also said with an ounce of luck, Malawi would have made it to the final.
The Junior Scorchers lost to Zambia’s Copper Princesses 3-1 on post-match penalties after playing out a two-all draw in regulation time.
“To lose in penalties is always painful because they can go either way,” said the Junior Scorchers’ skipper.
Kabzere said the team deserves a pat on the back for clinching bronze in only their first tournament.
She said: “For a team that had not even played an international friendly, finishing third was in itself an achievement
“My only plea to authorities is that they should keep the team active through regular camps and international friendlies.”
National Women’s Football Association chairperson Suzgo Ngwira and Scorchers captain Tabitha Chawinga also hailed Kabzere for her outstanding performance.
Said Ngwira: “She is a fantastic player with a bright future. The future Scorchers can be built around her.
“Her confidence and work-rate are amazing.”
On her part, Tabitha said: “Rose is a gem, she is blessed with all attributes of a good forward, she is a complete striker and with time, she will make it big.”
Kabzere scored five goals when the Junior Scorchers thrashed Namibia 12-0, she also claimed a brace against Zambia and scored one in the 9-0 demolition of Botswana.
In other awards, Casey Gordon of South Africa won the Golden Glove while Zambia went away with the Fair Play Award.
