Scorchers close in on K3.5bn prize, but say focus on reaching final
The Scorchers are closing in on the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) $2 million (about K3.5 billion) winner’s prize.
The Malawi National Women’s Football Team is two matches away from hitting the jackpot, but captain Tabitha Chawinga and coach Lovemore Fazili have said the focus is on getting the job done.
A runners-up slot could see them team carting home $750 000 (about K1.3 billion while a third-place finish carries a $550 000 (about K963 million) prize.
But in an interview yesterday, Tabitha played down the monetary gains, saying they are looking at the bigger picture.
She said: “We thank God Almighty that we have reached this far and it is only because of his blessings.
“We are closing in on the big prize and it is a motivation to every player, but we do not want that to distract our mission to go far in this competition because there are other important benefits.
“The upcoming players have a chance to be spotted by big teams and scouts from across the world and that should be the priority.”
On qualifying for the World Cup, Tabitha said: “I believe it is every player’s fl to play at the World Cup, it is the biggest stage in football and when I heard the final whistle, the first thing was to thank God.
“Every member of the team has fought so hard to get this far, but as I said, we still have work to do.”
Fazili said: “Now we have qualified for the World Cup and we are happy because we had two missions when we came here and that was to qualify for World Cup and get to the Wafcon final and we are now targeting the [Wafcon] championship. It is a step at a time.”
Football Association of Malawi president Fleetwood Haiya sai: “This historic achievement is a manifestation and clear evidence that our deliberate investment is bearing fruit.
“Let us trust the process as we remain focused, determined and committed to transforming the game of football in Malawi.”
