Four FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women stars have been named in the final Malawi squad for the Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women’s Championship.
The quartet includes defender Bernadetta Mkandawire and midfielders Lyna James, Tendai Sani, and Pilirani Malora.
Grace Yotamu, who was part of the provisional squad of 38 players, has not made the final cut as Lovemore Fazili announced his 23-member squad on Monday.
The 2024 regional tournament will start on Tuesday, 22 October, and run until 6 November in Gqeberha, South Africa.
19-year-old Sani, our leading scorer in the Goshen-FAM Women’s Southern Region League this campaign with 35 out of the 82 goals Bullets have scored in nine games, has been named in the Scorchers’ final squad for the first time.
After five years, Malora returns to the national team after her impressive showing this season. The wing forward has found the back of the net for Maggie Chombo’s side five times.
The reigning champions, Malawi, will start their title defence against Botswana on Wednesday before facing Madagascar on Saturday. Their last group-stage game is against Mauritius next Monday.
This year’s tournament has four groups; only group leaders will proceed to the knockout phase.
Malawi Squad
Goalkeepers: Mercy Sikelo (Kukoma Ntopwa Women), Esther Maulidi (Mighty Wanderers Queens), Yamikani Kawonga (MDF Lioness)
Defenders: Patricia Nyirenda (MDF Lioness), Bernadetta Mkandawire (FCB NBB Women), Faith Chizimu (Ascent Soccer), Maggie Chavula (Ascent Soccer), Rose Alufandika (Kukoma Ntopwa Women), Maureen Kenneth (Ascent Soccer).
Midfielders: Letticia Chinyamula (Ascent Soccer), Carolyne Mathyola (Silver Strikers FC), Sara Mulimbika (Ndirande Soccer Giants), Funny Magombo (Kukoma Ntopwa Women), Asimenye Simwaka (MDF Lioness), Lyna James (FCB NBB Women), Jessie Yosefe (Civil Service Women), Tendai Sani (FCB NBB Women), Pilirani Malora (FCB NBB Women).
Strikers: Vannesa Chikupila (Green Buffaloes – Zambia), Mary Chavinda (Rayon – Rwanda), Sabina Thom (TP Mazembe – DRC), Chisomo Banda (Silver Strikers Ladies), Catherine Kachala (MDF Lioness).
