Rachael Kaphaizi
The Malawi Women’s Football team head coach Lovemore Fazili has defended his decision to retain most of the squad that reached the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers against Zimbabwe.
The Scorchers of Malawi will host Zimbabwe in the first leg on 9 October before travelling for the return leg on 13 October this year.
Fazili has maintained the majority of the players who represented Malawi in Morocco, saying there was little reason to make major changes after the team’s impressive campaign.
He said the players have been together for a long time and have developed an understanding that would be difficult to replace by bringing in several new faces within a short period.
“There is no need that I should change the team, considering where we are coming from. It is the same team which performed very well,” said Fazili.
He added that the technical panel will continue monitoring other players who could be considered in future, but stressed those new players must prove that they can perform at international level.
Fazili has included Asante Khamula as a new face in the squad, while defender Patricia Nyirenda returns after recovering from a lengthy injury.
The coach also said the team will approach the Zimbabwe tie with the same positive mentality that helped them reach the WAFCON final.
“We just continue where we left from Morocco. The secret is to be positive minded”, he said.
The 28-member provisional squad:
Goalkeepers:
Mercy Sikelo, Esther Maulidi, Jane Nyirenda and Yamikani Kaonga.
Defenders:
Chimwemwe Madise, Rose Alufandika, Tionge Phiri, Maggie Chavula, Talandira Chinyamvula, Patricia Nyirenda, Benedetta Mkandawire, Ireen Khumalo and Olivia Phikani.
Midfielders:
Rose Kadzere, Faith Chimzimu, Asante Khamula, Leticia Chinyamula, Chikondi Gondwe, Madyna Nguluwe and Lyna James.
Forwards:
Tabitha Chawinga, Temwa Chawinga, Chisomo Banda, Sarah Mlimbika, Asimenye Simwaka, Vitumbiko Mkandawire, Mayamiko Mkandawire and Vanessa Chikupila.
