US-based Malawian women’s football star Temwa Chawinga has blasted Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for offering inadequate support to women’s football.
The Kansas City (KC) Current forward expressed her concern at The President Hotel in Lilongwe shortly after her arrival on Wednesday from the US to a warm reception.
Temwa said FAM is not investing in women’s football, especially the national team.
She said: “Firstly, I have to thank Malawians for the warm welcome. I feel honoured. But I have some grievances. As women, we don’t get the same support in terms of resources as men. I had wanted to come and play, but I didn’t because I was protesting that we don’t take part in Fifa recognised tournaments.
“Emulate how Zambia is doing. The women’s team is well-supported and plays in all Fifa tournaments. It should be the same with us as these tournaments offer a platform for exposure. Zambia have a lot of professionals because they get exposure.”
Temwa, whose sister plays in France, has since said she will no longer take part in the Cosafa tournaments.
“I am done. That chapter is closed for me,” she said.
Government officials, led by Ministry of Youth and Sports spokesperson Macmillan Mwale and others thronged Kamuzu International Airport to accord Chawinga, who bagged Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player Awards in her debut season, a heroe’s welcome
Malawi has been missing tournaments such as Olympics and Africa Cup of Nations because of financial constraints, according to officials.
In his remarks, Mwale hailed the exploits of the 26 years old footballer describing her as inspirational to the girl child.
“It’s a double celebration as the Ministry responsible for Youth and Sports as she falls in both. We encourage other athletes to work hard and emulate her example as through such international exposure our national teams can also be strong.”
National Women’s Football Association chairperson Adellaide Migogo described Temwa as the pace-setter.
She said: “Our FAM president Fleetwood Haiya wants the game to be transformed. Temwa has set the pace of transforming the game. You have done what most girls world over haven’t achieved.
“Our plea is to the corporate support to help our girls reach their potential in football. You have put Malawi on the map and we are proud of you.”
Umodzi Holdings Limited, which manages The President Hotel, Bingu International Convention Centre, Presidential Villas and Malawi Square, also gave Temwa a gift of a water bottle and diary as a gesture of appreciation.
