The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has reinforced the Scorchers’ technical bench ahead of the country’s maiden appearance at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), appointing two experienced South African football professionals.
Sudesh Singh has joined the team as Technical Advisor, while Tyrese Steyn has been appointed as Performance Analyst as Malawi intensifies preparations for the continental showpiece in Morocco.
The appointments underline Malawi’s ambition to make a strong impression at their first-ever WAFCON, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
FAM Targets World Cup Qualification
FAM President Fleetwood Haiya said the decision to strengthen the technical team followed recommendations from the association’s executive committee.
He believes the additions will improve the team’s chances of reaching the semi-finals, a feat that would secure qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
“We have fulfilled that plan given by the executive. We have brought in someone who has connections to Malawi.”
“As we go to WAFCON, it is our hope that we reach the semi-finals so that we can qualify for the World Cup,” Haiya said.
Fazili Welcomes New Additions
Scorchers head coach Lovemore Fazili believes the appointments will add valuable expertise to the technical setup as the team prepares for its biggest tournament yet.
He thanked the FAM leadership for supporting the team and expressed confidence that the expanded technical bench would benefit the players.
“This is a good development. I thank the president. We will work together.”
“It is an opportunity to have them. The journey has been long, but it’s good that we will be working with them. We are doing well in preparation for WAFCON.”
Singh Excited for New Challenge
Experienced football strategist Sudesh Singh described his appointment as a privilege and praised the quality within the Malawi squad.
Having spent more than three decades working in football, including roles with the South African Football Coaches Association, Botswana’s Masitaoka FC and as a football analyst on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa, Singh believes the Scorchers possess exciting attacking talent.
“Malawi has very talented players. I have seen the talent in attack.”
“I had meetings with the head coach. It was a warm welcome. People are open-minded to new ideas. Offensively, we have exceptional talent. We know the opposition we are facing in Morocco.”
Tough Assignment Awaits
Malawi have been drawn into one of the tournament’s toughest groups alongside defending champions Nigeria, Egypt and regional rivals Zambia.
The Scorchers will begin their WAFCON campaign against Nigeria on 28 July at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
They will then face Egypt on 1 August before concluding the group stage against the Copper Queens of Zambia on 5 August, with all three fixtures expected to play a major role in determining the group’s qualifiers for the knockout stages.
Conclusion
Malawi’s decision to strengthen its technical bench demonstrates the country’s determination to compete at the highest level during its historic WAFCON debut.
With experienced additions now supporting the coaching staff, the Scorchers will hope the investment pays dividends as they seek to make history by reaching the knockout stages and securing a first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification.
