Bostwana pulls out of friendly
Malawi women’s national football team has been dealt a blow after Botswana withdrew from hosting the team this weekend.
The team was expected to fly to Gaborone this week for the international friendly, but Botswana say they can longer host Malawi due to financial problems.
National Women’s Football Association (NWA) chairperson Severia Chalira confirmed the development yesterday.
“It is true Botswana have communicated that after reviewing their budget, it will not be possible for them to host us. They sent an apology,” she said.
However, Chalira said they are working on an alternative for the team that has been in camp for the past three weeks in preparation for the failed friendly.
“We are working out something. You will be duly communicated,” she said.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary Alfred Gunda was confident that they will secure another friendly for the team.
“We will get them another friendly, hopefully,” he said.
Newly-appointed coach Stuart Mbolembole yesterday said the postponement of the Botswana friendly is a blessing in disguise.
“We were told to break. We sent the girls home last week, but they will be back today so that we can resume training.
“But I should say the postponement of the Botswana friendly has given me a chance to have more time to look at the players as we are waiting for FAM to organise another one to be played on December 16.”
Malawi women’s team last played late last year when they lost 1-0 away to Tanzania.
