Copper Queens vs. Scorchers Friendlies Hit Financial Roadblock

Malawi’s highly anticipated women’s football friendlies against Zambia’s Copper Queens have hit a financial snag after the country’s National Sports Council announced it would not fund the trip. With time running out, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) is now scrambling to secure alternative sponsorship to ensure the Scorchers make it to Zambia for the crucial warm-up matches.

The National Sports Council’s chief executive officer, Henry Kamata, confirmed that FAM’s funding request was declined due to budget constraints. With Malawi’s financial year coming to an end, Kamata emphasized that there were no additional funds available to cover the Scorchers’ travel expenses.

“We are heading towards the end of the financial year, and we cannot go to the treasury to ask for extra funds. FAM is aware of our response over the matter,” Kamata stated.

However, FAM president Fleetwood Haiya seemed unaware of the council’s decision, insisting that he had not yet seen the response. Despite the setback, he remains confident that the trip will proceed as planned.

“Yes, I can confirm that we wrote them [the council] regarding the funding for our friendlies in Zambia. I am not aware if they have responded because I haven’t seen their response yet, but I know they will fund the trip,” Haiya said.

Despite Haiya’s optimism, sources within FAM have confirmed to BolaNews that the council had already communicated its decision last week. In response, FAM has now turned to private sponsors in a last-minute effort to secure funding for the trip.

“We are aware of their stance, and there is a plan to find other means to source money. The immediate plan is to talk to sponsors who will help with air tickets. So, yeah, we will fly to Zambia, but this is a big setback that the government has failed to fund the team,” a source revealed.

Zambia invited Malawi for two friendly matches scheduled for February 20 and 23, 2025 as part of both teams’ preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers. Haiya assured that despite the funding challenges, Malawi will send a strong squad to Zambia, including star players Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga.

While the financial struggles pose a challenge, the determination from FAM to secure sponsorship highlights their commitment to ensuring the Scorchers get the necessary international exposure. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the trip materializes as planned.