Nico Group revels in Ascent’s Scorchers success contribution
Nico Group, sponsors of Ascent Soccer Academy, says it is proud of the academy’s contribution towards the Scorchers’ fairy-tale run at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco, which has led to the team qualifying for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup.
The Malawi Women’s National Football Team is also in the Wafcon final in which they face the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon tomorrow night.
Four members of the Scorchers squad—Talandira Chinyamvula, Maggie Chavula, Letticia Chinyamula and Fatima Lali—play for Ascent Academy.
That is not all. Two of the team’s key players, Europe-based Rose Kabzere and Faith Chimzimu, are also products of the Lilongwe-based academy.
Kabzere, who plays for French women’s top-flight league side Montpellier, scored the winner in their 2-1 win over Ghana’s Black Queens which sealed Malawi’s semi-final qualification and, with it, a ticket to the World Cup.
It was her second goal in the campaign while Chimzimu, a Uefa Europa Cup winner, has one goal.
Nico Holdings Group head of marketing and customer experience Taweni Gondwe Xaba said in an interview that Ascent Academy’s contribution is a powerful reminder of what can happen when young talent is identified, nurtured and given the opportunity to grow.
She said: “Their presence at the Wafcon is giving people across the country a chance to see the impact of Ascent Soccer Academy for themselves.
“From conversations on social media to discussions among football fans, Malawians are increasingly recognising the fruits of an academy that is helping to shape the future of the national team.”
Gondwe Xaba said as the sponsor of the academy, Nico Group believes in the Academy’s vision of transforming Malawian football by developing young talent and creating opportunities for players to compete at the highest level.
She said: “Today, that vision is bearing fruit. From local football pitches to professional clubs in Europe and now the Fifa Women’s World Cup, the journey of these players is a story of determination, opportunity and belief.
“It is the story of young Malawians who dared to dream and are now making history.
“The Scorchers have earned their place on the world stage, and Ascent Soccer Academy has played a significant role in helping them get there. For NICO Group, this is more than sponsorship. It is an investment in young talent, in their dreams and in the future of Malawian football.”
