Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for two friendly matches against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana.
The Scorchers are expected to leave today for the matches, slated for April 5 and 8 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Competitions and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka said all was set for the team’s trip to South Africa.
“They will leave on Wednesday for the matches,” he said in a brief response.
The Scorchers will be without France-based captain Tabitha Chawinga and her United States-based sister Temwa Chawinga due to logistical challenges.
Another France-based midfielder Rose Kabzere has been ruled out of the matches.
But the Scorchers will have other foreign country-based stars such as Sabina Thom, who recently joined a Georgian club on a three-year contract after leaving TP Mazembe.
Mazembe defender Chimwemwe Madise is expected to be available for the matches.
Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili said the matches would be a good opportunity to assess the squad.
“I am happy that we have another chance to assess our players,” he said.
Meanwhile, South Africa coach Desiree Ellis has named a strong squad ahead of the two matches.
The squad comprises Noxolo Cesane, Noko Matlou, Gabriel Salgado, Kaylin Swart and Lebohang Ramalepe.
Malawi and South Africa last met during the 2023 Cosafa Women’s Championship in which the Scorchers won 4-3 at Lucas Moripe Stadium, Pretoria, in South Africa.
South Africa are preparing for the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) finals slated for July 5 to 26 in Morocco.
The Scorchers, on the other hand, are using the match to prepare for their second-round Wafcon qualifier against Angola in October this year.
Malawi advanced to the second round without kicking the ball after Congo Brazzaville pulled out due to lack of preparations.
The team played two friendly matches against Zambia in March this year.
Malawi lost 2-0 in the first match but beat the Copper Queens in the second match.
0 Comments