Scorchers forward Sabina Thom has joined Moroccan elite women’s football league club Phoenix Academy Marrakesh on a two-year contract from Lilongwe-based side MDF Lioness.
The 28-year-old former striker for TP Mazembe of Democratic Republic oif Congo (DRC) yesterday described the deal as a relief after her dream move to Georgian giants Lanchkhuti hit a snag six months ago due to an unsuccessful visa application.
“I thank God for giving me another opportunity after a failed move to Georgia due to a visa. It is by His grace that another opportunity has opened up. I will work hard to earn a place improve my game,” said Thom, who had a stint with Swedish side Kvarnsvedens IK from 2017 to 2019.
She has become the second Malawian women’s football player to join a North African club after her fellow Scorchers’ forward Vanessa Chikupira signed for Egyptian heavyweights Palm Hills Sports Club.
Thom bid farewell to Lioness in style after scoring a goal and winning the player of the match accolade in a 4-0 thrashing of Topik Academy of Mzuzu during their last fixture of the National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc Women’s Premiership on Sunday. The win helped Lioness to finish third.
Meanwhile, Lioness have wished Thom all the best at her new club.
In a statement, the Lilongwe-based Malawi Defence Force side, said: “Sabina departs Lioness after a remarkable spell marked by commitment, passion and professionalism. In her final appearance against Topik Academy, she delivered once more finding the back of the net and earning Player of the Match Award, a fitting farewell for a player who consistently rose to the occasion.
“Her contribution throughout the season has been immense, playing a pivotal role in the team’s strong league finish. Her fellow players salute her for the outstanding work, dedication, and leadership she displayed both on and off the pitch. As she embarks on a new chapter, we thank her for the goals, memories and the standards she set.”
National Women’s Football Association chairperson Adellaide Migogo yesterday said the opening of doors for Malawian players in North Africa shows the strides the women’s game has made in the country.
“This is a sign that women’s football is improving fast in Malawi. We also owe this success to the recent international friendlies that the Football Association of Malawi organised in partnership with NBM and government,” she said.
Thom’s move means that Malawi now has at least eight women footballers playing abroad. The others are Chikupira, France-based strikers Tabitha Chawinga and Rose Kabzere, USA-based forward Temwa Chawinga, Sweden-based midfielder Faith Chinzimu and Democratic Republic of Congo-based defender Chimwemwe Madise.
