The 2024 Cosafa Women’s Champions League qualifiers rolled into action Thursday at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre where eight clubs in Southern Africa are battling for the regional championship.
Sports Minister Uchizi Mkandawire and Football Association of Malawi (Fam) President Fleetwood Haiya led the delegation of Council of Southern African Football Associations officials (Cosafa) during the opening ceremony, which took place after the midday opening match that saw Herentals Queens of Zimbabwe beating Namibian Side Ongos Ladies 3-1.
Mkandawire said women’s football needs all the support as it has great potential to put Malawi on the map.
“Women’s football has proved that it has the potential to bring trophies to the country. So as government, we feel very honoured to have this tournament here in Malawi.
“We wish all the participants all the best and we have no doubt that it will be a fantastic tournament,” he said.
Haiya said he was overwhelmed to see the tournament being staged in Malawi for the first time ever.
“As Fam, we are proud and indeed very happy that, for the first time, we are hosting this tournament. We just need to enjoy the moment and welcome all visiting teams with the hospitality we are well known for,” he said.
Cosafa representative Brenda Kunda said she believes Malawi is capable of hosting a smooth tournament.
“This is the fourth Cosafa Women’s championship and we believe it will be a smooth tournament,” Kunda said.
She then thanked Fam and government for preparing well to host it.
“We have seen some goodwill from our hosts since the announcement was made that this year’s tournament would be staged in Malawi.
“As Cosafa and on behalf of my president, we would like to see this tournament as a stepping stone in developing the game in our region,” Kunda said.
In the second match of the day, Green Buffaloes of Zambia edged South Africa’s University of Western Cape 1-0. Both were Group A matches.
Action moves to Group B today, with Gaborone United of Botswana locking horns with UD Lichinga from Mozambique before Malawi’s representatives Ascent Soccer Academy take on Young Buffaloes of eSwatini.
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