'The absence of Chawinga sisters will not affect us, we have plan B' - Malawi coach Fazili

Malawi's Women's National Team coach, Lovemore Fazili during training with his players. (Photo via FAM media)

Highlights

Temwa and Tabitha withdrew from taking part in this year's 2024 Cosafa Women's Championship
Malawi are the Cosafa Women's Championship defending champions
The 2024 Cosafa Women's Championship kicked off on Tuesday in South Africa.

The Malawi Women’s National Team, Scorchers, will begin their 2024 Cosafa Women’s Championship title campaign this afternoon against Botswana’s Mares.

Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili, who led Malawi to title glory last year after defeating Zambia 2-1 in the final, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to defend the title despite the absence of star players.

Fazili will be without Kansas City Current striker Temwa Chawinga, Lyon striker Tabitha Chawinga, and the other five professionals who withdrew from the squad.

He said he has plan B, which will be executed to defend the title.

“We are prepared; almost everyone is ready for the match,” Fazili said. “We have played these teams before, they are good teams. Botswana once played at the World Cup, and it is a good side.

“The absence of Chawingas will not affect us; we have plan B, and we are set. We have good local players; they are good at giving us results. Our target is to defend the title and it will happen.

“When you look at the players we have, I know Malawians are worried with the absence of professionals but stop worrying. we have a plan B. I am sure we will stop Botswana. As defending champions, we need to start with a win, nothing else.”

This year’s Cosafa tournament has four groups and only group leaders will proceed to the knockout phase.