Scorchers set to start Cosafa campaign on high note

By Antony Isaiah Jr

The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the scorchers are set to start their 2022 Cosafa Cup campaign on a high note as they face Botswana this afternoon in Group C at Madibaz Stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

The scorchers finished as the runners up last year after suffering a defeat to Tanzania in the final match.

Coach for the Scorchers, Lovemore Fazili said his charges are ready to burn Botswana as it will boost the morale of his players in the upcoming games but urged his players to work hard and dedicated.

“We are ready for the game and we believe that everyone that we are going to select into the starting XI will give us the performance that we want. We have confidence in our players and we can do better. Of course we did not go to the just ended Afcon but are hopeful that we the squad that we have, we have the capacity to do well. They have played for so long together and they are matured,” said Fazili.

Botswana qualified for the just ended Women’s African Cup of Nations.

The Scorchers opening match has been boosted by the coming in of their lethal striker and Captain Tabitha Chawinga who who last month signed for Inter Milan women’s football team and scored in her debut last Sunday.

Fazili said the coming in of the 22-year-old striker can help to boost the morale and the atmosphere of the locker room.

“Botswana is a strong side. I have watched them play. We learned something from their games we watched.
“But we are not afraid of Botswana. With the coming of Tabitha, the morale in camp is also high ahead of the match.
“It’s our wish to make to the final and win the championship and this starts with a win in the opening game,”

On her part, Chawinga said she is ready for the battle.

“When you participate in a tournament you need to have a purpose. Obviously, our target is to win the 2022 Cosafa Women’s Championship.

“After making it to the final last year, this year we need to go further and win the championship. This is a good team. Whether I am here or not, or Temwa is here or not, this team is capable of winning the championship.” said Chawinga.

South Africa and Zambia kick-started their campaign on a high note as Banyana Banyana had a convincing 3-0 against Angola while Zambia hammered Namibia by 2 goals to nill.