By Rahim Abdul
Blantyre City Mayor and one of the pioneers of women’s football in Malawi, Isaac Jomo Osman, has appealed for unity and focus ahead of the Scorchers’ CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Algeria in Morocco today, Wednesday.
Jomo made the appeal through an audio message shared on a sports WhatsApp forum, urging Malawians to avoid unnecessary debates that could distract the players at a crucial stage of the tournament.
He said the Scorchers players follow what is being posted on social media and that negative or divisive messages could affect their concentration ahead of the important encounter.
“The girls see what is being posted on social media, so let us not disturb them in any way,” Jomo said.
Jomo said the priority should be to appreciate what the team has achieved so far and allow the players to remain focused on their semi-final assignment.
His comments come amid discussions on social media surrounding the departure of Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Women’s Football Committee Chairperson Adelaide Migogo from Morocco.
According to reports circulating on social media, Migogo travelled to Morocco to watch the WAFCON matches up to the group stage, alongside other FAM executive members.
It has also emerged that before the delegation travelled to Morocco, FAM President Fleetwood Haiya informed executive members that they would remain in the country until the completion of the group-stage matches.
The executive members were reportedly aware of the arrangement and the dates for their return home, with those who left Morocco after the group stages doing so according to the earlier agreement.
Meanwhile, it has been clarified that the National Women’s Football Association did not secure sponsorship for the Scorchers from National Bank, but that the sponsorship was secured through FAM in support of the national team.
The clarification further notes that national teams, including the Flames and Scorchers, fall under the responsibility of FAM, while the National Women’s Football Association is responsible for running women’s football leagues in the country.
Jomo’s appeal comes as attention turns to the Scorchers’ historic semi-final, with the team needing maximum concentration and support as they continue their impressive campaign in Morocco.
He has therefore called on Malawians to put aside internal differences, support the players and allow the Scorchers to focus on the task ahead as they chase a place in the WAFCON final.
