Tabitha suffers salary cut

China-based women’s football star Tabitha Chawinga has suffered a salary cut at his club due to the effects of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The Malawi women’s national football team captain, who plays for Superleague side Jiangsu Suning, could not be drawn to give a percentage of the salary cut, but described it as “quite significant”.

She said: “We have not been spared of the Covid-19 effects here as my team has also effected salary cuts across the board.

“Of course, it is a bitter pill to swallow, but considering the current situation, it is something that was expected and I just have to accept it.”

The prolific forward also said there are signs that football could resume soon.

“We are not sure exactly when, but the signs are encouraging as we have stepped up our preparations ahead of the delayed new season,” she said.

For the past two seasons Tabitha has been winning the Golden Boot Award in almost all competitions.

She also won four of the five individual awards in the 2018 season and helped her team to win the league title last season.

“Last season’s awards have been put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said the Scorchers skipper.

However, her younger sister  Temwa, who signed for another Chinese top-flight league side Wuhan early this year, said her club has not effected a pay cut.

“Maybe at a later stage, but there has been nothing of that sort so far,” she said.

The Covid-19 pandemic effects have not spared sport worldwide and most clubs have effected pay cuts on their players.

On the local scene, Be Forward Wanderers and Nyasa Big Bullets have also effected pay cut for their players.