* After being in thick of things in the Scorchers’ fairytale run at the WAfCON Morocco 2026 bringing back the silver medal
* The CAF Champions League-COSAFA qualifiers scheduled for Gaborone, Botswana from August 20-30
* Grouped alongside South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Mozambique’s Clube de Desportos da Costa do Sol and eSwatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs
By Duncan Mlanjira
Five of Silver Strikers Ladies who were part of the Malawi Scorchers that achieved the greatest milestone at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) Morocco 2026, will fly straight to Gaborone tomorrow for the CAF Champions League-COSAFA qualifiers.
Silver, who qualified for the CAF Champions League-COSAFA qualifiers after being crowned the National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Women’s Championship 2025, contributed to the Scorchers top class players, defenders Ireen Khumalo & Tionge Phiri; midfielders Madyina Nguluwe, Chikondi Gondwe; and forward Deborah Henry.
After their arrival today, they have joined the squad that Coach of the Season Andrew Chikhosi has named for the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifiers.
They are in Group B alongside South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Mozambique’s Clube de Desportos da Costa do Sol and eSwatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Group A has the hosts’ Gaborone United FC, Lesotho Defence Force Ladies, ZESCO Ndola Girls FC of Zambia and Herentals Queens FC of Zimbabwe.
The First XI for the WAfCON final
Chikhosi’s full squad is, that depart for Gaborone through Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, comprises:
* Goalkeepers: Irene Khumalo, Evelyn Kamanga, Samir Amidu;
* Defenders: Tionge Phiri, Ruth Nyirongo, Ireen Khumalo, Justina Jumbo, Mphatso Gondwe, Chikondi Duwe, Ruth Mandala;
* Midfielders: Eluby Botomani, Madyina Ngulube, Chikondi Gondwe, Wezie Mvula, Shukulani Lameck; and
* Strikers: Deborah Henry, Grace Kakangula, Yamikani Mhango, Carol Mathyola, Gladys Kandodo Banda.
Silver Strikers Ladies will be making their debut appearance in the competition becoming the third Malawian club to represent the country at the regional tournament after Ntopwa Women and Ascent Soccer.
Andrew Chikhosi
Reacting to the draw two weeks ago, coach Chikhosi said his team expected a tough group, but believes they are ready to compete: “All the teams are champions of their respective countries.
“It is a competition of champions, so we could not expect an easy group. As a team, we are prepared for that. Looking at the preparations we have been doing over the past two months, I believe we have what it takes to progress from the group.
“We have a good team that can compete. But in football, anything can happen,” said the coach, who was awarded Women’s Coach of the Year for guiding Silver Ladies to clinch the inaugural NBM Women’s Premiership at 98% winning run.
His forward Deborah Henry was awarded the NBM Women’s Premiership’s Golden Boot winner and Player of the season after hauling an unassailable 23 goals to her name.
Deborah Henry in action against India in the FIFA Series in Kenya
Her teammate in the Scorchers, Ireen Khumalo was named Defender of the Season while club mate, Ireen Sibande was Goalkeeper of the Year.
Deborah’s performance in the NBM Women’s Premiership earned her a call-up in the Scorchers squad for the COSAFA Women’s Championship where she scored a hat-trick in her second international appearance when the Scorchers thrashed Lesotho 8-1.
She made her debut international appearance as an 84th minute substitute when the Scorchers were trailing 0-1 in their opening group stage encounter against hosts South Africa.
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