Chawinga fails to undergo trials

Tabitha Chawinga— who is the only Malawian women football export to Europe—yesterday failed to undergo trials with the Scandinavian country’s second-tier side Olle Karnvednsik IF from on Monday. She was supposed to leave her third-tier League CLub Krokom/ Dvärsätt IF following the expiry of her contract.But a combination of alleged childishness and reported train-fright has undermined her trials, Karnvednsik IF chairperson Olle Davidson confirmed yesterday.

“She does not know how to handle this. She feels insecure travelling by train. She is just crying, no longer coming for the trials,” explained Davidson in a telephone interview from Barlong District yesterday.

Chawinga, 18, signed from Lilongwe women football side DD Sunshine in May when the season was in progress.

She confirmed that she is supposed to go for the trials, but skirted around a question as to why she had not left for the trials in Barlong.

“I sent the chairperson a text message that I want to go. If you get in touch with him [Davidson], tell him that I am willing to attend the trials,” insisted Chawinga.

DD Sunshine director David Dube on Monday confirmed that Chawinga’s trials with Karnvednsik were supposed to start yesterday, followed by her return home for off-season break.