Tabitha plans DD Sunshine participation in CAF tourney
China-based women’s football star Tabitha Chawinga says she wants her club DD Sunshine to take part in the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League.
This follows Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee’s decision at the weekend to approve the introduction of the continental club’s showpiece from next year and DD Sunshine are eligible for the tournament by virtue of being national champions.
A statement issued by the continental football governing body says the tournament will be held annually and the qualifiers will be organised in CAF’s six zones.
Said Tabitha: “I know it is an expensive venture, but every journey starts with a single step and I am determined to give it a try and see where it gets us to.
“Women football has shown a lot of promise. Local players can only improve by providing them with the platform for exposure.”
On whether she has the financial muscle to bankroll the team’s participation in an international tournament, the reigning Chinese Women’s Footballer of the Year said: “I am not rich, but I can play a part and also court potential co-sponsors to help us with some logistics.
“Since the tournament will start at zonal level, I am ready to meet the costs of the team’s travel by road. I am sure we can travel by bus to neighbouring countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique.
“The challenge would be the other costs such as food and accommodation and that is where we want to court the corporate world, well-wishers and other stakeholders and the mission starts now.”
Tabitha sponsors DD Sunshine senior and junior women’s football teams and an Under-20 men’s side.
Sunshine coach Andrew ‘Aluki’ Chikhosi, who is also Malawi national women’s football team assistant coach, said he believes DD Sunshine deserve to compete on international stage.
“We have a good team which includes about 10 national team players that have played together for some time.
“Apart from international exposure, participating in the Champions League can also provide an opportunity for players to be spotted by foreign clubs.
“It is all about a breakthrough and taking part in such a tournament can open up doors for our girls,” he said.
Football Association of Malawi president Walter Nyamilandu, who is also a CAF executive committee member, said: “This [Champions League] is very important for international exposure of our girls.
“It will help build a highly competitive national team in the process. I encourage all well-wishers and individuals of good will to support the cause.”
