Multi-talented athlete Asimenye Simwaka is in a tight spot following the clash of dates for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) finals.
Both events are scheduled to start later this month.
Athletics Malawi (AM) wants her to compete in the games scheduled for Scotland from July 23 to August 2 as part of her requirement for Olympic Solidarity scholarship in Portugal in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
On the other hand, Asimenye, who is also one of the Scorchers’ key players, has also been called up in the Malawi National Women’s Football Team provisional squad ahead of the Wafcon finals that will run from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco.
“I will wait for authorities to give me guidance on the two events,” said Simwaka in a WhatsApp interview.
AM vice-president and technical director Dennis Phiri yesterday said they are aware of the dilemma Asimenye has found herself in and they will try their best to make things work since both competitions are important.
“We know the situation Asimenye finds herself in and something tangible will be worked out in a way that she doesn’t disturb her Olympic scholarship and be available for Wafcon,” he said.
Phiri said since Asimenye cannot be at the games during the entire period of the event, she will be released much earlier for Wafcon.
“Probably, she can only miss one match at Wafcon, but we will do our best to set her free for Wafcon much earlier. At Commonwealth Games, Malawi will only compete in individual events, which will be contested in the early days,” he said.
Football Association of Malawi operations director Gomezgani Zakazaka could not be reached for comment yesterday.
At Wafcon, the Scorchers, who are making their maiden appearance, will play their opening Group C match against defending champions Nigeria on July 28 at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The team will then face Egypt on August 1 at Moulay Hassan Stadium before wrapping up their group stage against regional rivals Zambia on August 5 at Al Madina Stadium.
The two top teams from each group, together with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals.
