First Lady of Malawi, Gertrude Mutharika, has pledged continued support for the Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, during a luncheon held in their honour at State House on Thursday.
She said despite the team’s failure to lift the trophy at the recent COSAFA Women’s Championship, the Scorchers did the nation proud with their performance and fighting spirit throughout the tournament.
Mutharika specifically commended the Scorchers for winning the Golden Boot award.
“Even though we did not bring home the cup, we have won the Golden Boot, and that is a great achievement for Malawi,” she said.
The First Lady noted that the team has done more than play football. According to her, the Scorchers have united people from different parts of the country, including political parties, churches, and various communities, around a common cause.
She described the unity shown during the tournament as one of the team’s greatest contributions.
“When the Scorchers play, Malawians forget their differences and rally behind one flag. That is the power of sport,” Mutharika said.
Mutharika also highlighted the economic value of the team’s international engagements.
She said teams like the Scorchers that compete outside the country help to bring foreign exchange into Malawi through sponsorships, allowances, and global exposure.
She encouraged the players to remain disciplined and focused as they prepare for future assignments, assuring them that the Office of the First Lady will continue to support their activities and welfare.
The luncheon at State House was attended by members of the technical panel, Football Association of Malawi officials, and other stakeholders who celebrated the team’s achievements and discussed ways to further develop women’s football in the country.
Mutharika also attended Wednesday’s welcoming ceremony for the team at Kamuzu International Airport.
The COSAFA Women’s Championship is an annual tournament organized by the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations. It brings together senior women’s national teams from the 14 COSAFA member countries to compete for regional supremacy.
The competition serves as key preparation for teams ahead of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers, and has become a major platform for showcasing talent in Southern Africa.
