By Rahim Abdul
When Malawi’s Scorchers and Lesotho’s Beautiful Flowers step onto the pitch at Mpira Stadium this weekend, it will be more than just two friendlies.
It will be the continuation of a growing Southern African rivalry that has become a testing ground for both nations’ women’s football ambitions.
The Scorchers come in under pressure after a year of mixed results one win in six friendlies while Lesotho arrive eager to prove their progress on foreign soil. Both teams know that a positive showing here could lift morale and signal their readiness for the COSAFA Cup and WAFCON qualifiers.
For Malawi, these games carry added weight. Playing at home in front of a passionate Blantyre crowd, the Scorchers are not only fighting for tactical improvement but also for national pride.
“We must win in front of our fans,” insisted coach Lovemore Fazili, who has mixed experienced players with promising youngsters like Hope Chikunga, Fanny Moyo, Faluna Umali, and Enelles Fabiano.
Lesotho, on the other hand, view the fixtures as a rare opportunity to sharpen their squad against a regional rival with similar aspirations. Coach Shalane Lehohla said his side must learn to handle both the pressure of a strong opponent and the intensity of Malawian fans.
“If we can adapt here, we can adapt anywhere,” he remarked.
Over the years, Malawi and Lesotho have traded blows in COSAFA competitions, often producing tightly contested matches.
