* Rewards the World Cup Brazil 2027-bound team with one-year home connectivity package in recognition of their impressive performance at the WAfCON 2026
* The Scorchers have made Malawi proud through their dedication, teamwork and historic achievement
* We are honouring them today with a practical gift that will benefit them and their families beyond football
By Duncan Mlanjira
As the Malawi Scorchers are preparing to host Zimbabwe in the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 1st leg qualifier this Friday, October 9 at Bingu National Stadium, Airtel Malawi has boosted their morale by rewarding them with one-year home connectivity package.
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They have been awarded with Airtel 5G Outdoor Unit (ODU) routers and one year of free unlimited 20Mbps internet — in recognition of their outstanding achievement as Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) runners-up and for qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.
In a statement, Airtel Malawi says each player and member of the delegation will have an Airtel 5G router installed at their home, “providing reliable high-speed internet access for learning, entertainment, communication and staying connected with family”.
“The Scorchers have made Malawi proud through their dedication, teamwork and historic achievement,” says Airtel Malawi Head Public Relations and CSR, Steven Kapoloma.
“We are honouring them today with a practical gift that will benefit them and their families beyond football. We hope this gesture helps them stay connected, continue learning and enjoy the comforts of home as they inspire the nation.”
Airtel maintains that the Scorchers’ success at the WAfCON Morocco 2026 “united Malawians and inspired a new generation of young women to pursue their dreams”.
“Airtel Malawi is honoured to celebrate their achievement and support them as they continue to represent the country on the global stage.
“Airtel has long been a committed partner in the development of football. Through the Airtel Top 8 football tournament, the company has invested in growing local football, empowering clubs, players, and fans, and contributing to the sport’s national visibility,” Kapoloma is quoted as saying in the statement.
The handover ceremony took place at Silver Stadium as the team prepares for the Friday encounter against Zimbabwe.
In FAM’s vote of thanks, executive committee member, Major General Mittawa, applauded Airtel Malawi for fulfilling its commitment to reward the team.
Kapoloma (left) and Major General Mittawa
“As the Football Association of Malawi, we are very excited and grateful to Airtel for this gesture,” he is quoted as saying by FAM Media.
“They made this commitment some time back, but they were unable to fulfil it earlier because of the Scorchers’ tight schedule and the players returning to their respective clubs.
“Today, they have fulfilled that commitment, and for that reason we are very thankful to Airtel as a brand,” said Mittawa, who added that the gesture had come at an important time as the Scorchers prepare for Zimbabwe.
“One of the important aspects as far as football is concerned is the morale of the players. Even in war, they say the morale of the troops is very important, and this gesture has come at the right moment,” said the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Major General.
FAM Media reported on Monday that that all players were in camp except Rose Kabzere, who was expected in yesterday.
However, Sweden-based Faith Chinzimu will miss the match through injury but could return for the second leg, reported FAM Media.
In order to entice large numbers to highly rally behind the Scorchers to register a strong win in the 1st leg — before travelling for the reverse fixture to be held on October 13 — Standard Tickets are being offered at a discount of K1,000 at K4,000 of bought online while the physical ticket is at K5,000
The tickets can be bought online through online; https://www.famticketsmw.com whose for VIP is less by K5,000 through online at K10,000 with K15,000 for physical while the Corporate Box is at K200,000 for 10 people.
The winner after the legs will progress to the next round to face winners between Kenya and Seychelles in February next year.
There are 32 teams in the 2nd round from which 16 teams will qualify to the 3rd round to compete eight teams that will go to Round 4.
The final four nations will compete in the last round to determine two teams to represent Africa for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
After their fairytale at the WAfCON, much more is expected from the Scorchers to bulldoze Zimbabwe aside and the home fans will play a huge part.
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