Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe yesterday erupted into a joyful sea of colour and celebration as hundreds of Malawians turned out to give the Scorchers a heroines’ welcome after their historic Wafcon campaign in Rabat, Morocco.
From the main entrance, vendors sold sports attire, hats and vuvuzelas as men, women and children made their way inside, eager to welcome the Malawi Women’s National Football Team.
Although the Scorchers were expected to arrive at 4:30pm, by 2pm people had already gathered outside the airport’s VIP entrance, singing, dancing and celebrating as they waited.
The Scorchers appeared to have united Malawians, with people from different backgrounds coming together in celebration and excitement.
Adding a special touch to the homecoming, the flight carrying the team was operated by an all-women crew from Malawi Airlines.
Malawi Airlines spokesperson Joseph Chikalipo confirmed the arrangement, saying it was made to honour the Scorchers’ extraordinary run at the Wafcon.
“We made some arrangements that we should have an all-women flight crew, including the air hostesses, the pilot and first officer,” he said.
The First Lady Gertrude Mutharika arrived at KIA around 3:30pm to welcome the Scorchers.
Following the First Lady’s arrival, officials from her charity Beautify Malawi Trust and other women in colourful costumes also joined the celebrations.
Women sang welcoming songs in celebration of the team’s achievement, while everyone appeared eager to be part of the historic occasion.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Alfred Gangata led the welcoming celebrations, accompanied by Minister of Information and Communications Technology Shadric Namalomba and Minister of Lands Chimwemwe Chipungu, among other dignitaries.
At about 4:30pm, the plane carrying the Scorchers touched down, sending the crowd into jubilation as people eagerly waited to see the players.
The ground crew then gave the team a water salute, symbolising respect and a warm welcome home.
As the players started disembarking the plane, Blantyre City Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman and Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Fleetwood Haiya, who led the team from Morrocco, waved to the crowd as people sang and cheered.
Gangata and the other officials were seen interacting with the team, expressing their happiness and satisfaction with its performance.
He also congratulated the team for finishing second in the Wafcon final, saying they had produced an impressive performance.
“We are very proud of you. You have put Malawi on the map and we are very grateful. Welcome back home,” said Gangata who watched the final in Rabat.
The minister added that Malawians were proud that the Scorchers had qualified for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The First Lady, dressed in red sports attire and wearing a broad smile, then walked towards the Scorchers.
She congratulated the players for the impressive performance and thanked them for making history for the country.
“We are all proud of you and you have shown us that women can do it too. Keep up the good work,” said Mutharika.
As the team departed the airport for Sunbird Capital at City Centre, the area outside the VIP entrance remained packed with people hoping to catch a glimpse of the players.
Traffic also started building up as vehicles escorted the team in a parade to the hotel, making it difficult for people to leave the airport as the area became congested.
They were escorted by bike riders who joined the parade at Kanengo and the Malawi Defecne Force Brass Band at Area 18, all the way to Sunbird Capital where they were accommodated.
