The stage is set for the fourth edition of Caf Champions League/Cosafa Qualifiers at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre as eight teams battle for a place at the continental showpiece finals.
It will be an action-packed nine days from today to August 24, with fans watching matches for free.
This is the first time the tournament is taking place outside South Africa after three previous editions were held in the coastal city of Durban.
The tournament rolls into life with a Group A fixture between Zimbabwe champions Herentals Queens FC and FC Ongos from Namibia from midday.
Thereafter, it will be the turn of the University of Western Cape from South Africa and 2022 winners Green Buffaloes from Zambia.
Buffaloes have two Malawi women’s national football team players in Ireen Khumalo and Vanessa Chikupira.
Malawi’s representatives Ascent Soccer Academy will make their debut against Young Buffaloes from eSwatini Friday.
In another Group B match, Lichinga will face Gaborone United.
Cosafa President Artur De Almeida E Silva, in a message ahead of the kick-off, hailed Football Association of Malawi (Fam) for accepting to host the tournament.
“The regular staging of our women’s tournaments at junior and senior national team level have assisted in the excellent showing of South Africa, Zambia and Botswana at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco,” he said.
On his part, Youth and Sports Minister Uchizi Mkandawire said the tournament is a crucial platform for nurturing and showcasing regional talent.
“By bringing together clubs from various countries, we enhance the strength and development of our national teams,” Mkandawire said.
Meanwhile, Fam President Fleetwood Haiya has commended Cosafa for consistently staging the tournament for four consecutive years.
“This is commendable as we are now assured of a reliable platform of exposing our women to top international football and we hope this consistency will be maintained,” Haiya said.
As at now, Local Organising Committee Chairperson Felister Dossi has assured that all is set for the tournament.
“We ticked all the check-boxes. We invite Malawians to patronise the matches and make this a memorable event,” Dossi said.
High-profile officials are expected to grace the opening ceremony.
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