The football fraternity in Malawi had high hopes in the inaugural Cosafa Awards Gala held on Thursday night in South Africa with four Scorchers players nominated in three categories.
Budding referee Wyson Mustafa made it five nominees from Malawi in four categories; Player of the Year, Most Promising Player, Goalkeeper of Year and Promising Referee Awards.
With France-based football icon Tabitha Chawinga, who has been causing a storm since securing an overseas move in 2014 in Sweden, was nominated for Player of the Year Award.
Fresh from winning the French Player of the Year Award and the Golden Boot, it was highly expected for Tabitha to hit the gong in the Southern Africa Award.
However, to the surprise she missed out as it was a 17-year-old Leticia Chinyamula who ‘carried’ the Malawi flag high when she was named Best Promising Player, the only award for her country.
Tabitha, Rose Kabzere, who was nominated in the same category with Leticia and goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo, budding referee Wyson Mustafa did not make it.
Leticia outshined her compatriot Kabzere and Zambian Esther Banda to save Malawi’s face.
In an interview after the award, the Ascent Academy player said she was excited.
“It’s incredible for me. I didn’t expect to win this award. I can say I was inspired by PlaySoccer Malawi to play football. I would urge those aspiring to play women’s football to work hard. They should put in a lot of effort. Anything is possible.”
Leticia also dedicated the award to Malawi, saying: “This award is not only for me, but all Malawians who are out there. I am proud of this,” she said.
Football Association of Malawi President Fleetwood Haiya said it was a unique award not only for her but the Scorchers as well.
“It’s not only Leticia that has won. For me as the President of the FA, I say all the Scorchers have won. As we are going back home, we are all winners.
“Let me congratulate Leticia, the Scorchers and all the nominees and Ascent Academy the ones that raised the talent. I believe that other teams are going to do the same. We have seen the goalkeeper who was nominated coming from Ntopwa. Going forward, I hope that we are going to have more players that are going to be nominated.
Reacting to the development, Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire also said they feel encouraged to support women’s football.
“I believe that this is also an encouragement to the other girls to work hard and that they can also be recognised as Leticia has done. It is not only for her but the country. She has made everyone proud.
“I believe that just like the nomination was for a few players, we believe that this is the win for everyone and her colleagues.”
