FAM pledges more action for She-Flames

Following an average performance at the Cosafa Women’s Cup in Zimbabwe, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has pledged to keep the national women football team busy.

FAM vice-president James Mwenda was responding to a plea by National Women Football Association (NWFA) president Severia Chalira for more international games for the team to improve on its performance.

“I believe if we had more international friendly games prior to the tournament, the results could have been much better.

“Based on the team’s performance, we have a good team that just needs support. The technical panel is also good and all we need is further exposure by playing more international friendlies and taking part in more tournaments,” she said.

In response, Mwenda said FAM will ensure that She-Flames play more international games.

“This is no mere talk. We are serious about making sure that the women national soccer team is vibrant.

“Although they did not bring any silverware from Zimbabwe, their performance was good. It is clear now we are at par with the likes of Zimbabwe and Zambia despite years of inactivity,” he said.

Mwenda also hailed the contribution of professionals Tabitha Chawinga and Chisomo Kazisonga, saying they made a difference to the team.

However, owner of a top local women football team, Skippers, Charles Mwenda, accused FAM of lacking seriousness towards the development of women’s football, saying the financial support “is too little to make a meaningful impact”.

Malawi lost 6-3 to Zambia in their first game and then beat Madagascar 6-3 before holding hosts Zimbabwe to a three-all draw. n