BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Scorchers head coach Lovemore Fazili says he has avoided introducing new faces into the national team because this is not the right time for experiments, stressing that the squad needs stability ahead of the Three Nations Women’s Tournament from November 28 to December 2, 2025.

He explained that their recent performance against Angola in the WAFCON qualifiers showed that the group is functioning well, balanced and still playing with confidence.

Fazili said the team is currently “hot,” and maintaining the same players will help them keep their rhythm as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.

Despite sticking to his core squad, Fazili said opportunities remain open for players doing well in the NBM Women’s Premiership, noting that football is unpredictable and anything can change.

He emphasized that outstanding performers can still earn a call-up for WAFCON if they continue to shine at club level and show consistency.

Fazili also thanked the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) for organizing the women’s tournament, saying proper planning and preparation are key to building a successful team.

He said the competition will help the Scorchers assess their strengths and weaknesses as they fine-tune their tactics ahead of future assignments.

Confirming the squad, Fazili revealed that he has retained 24 of the 25 players who featured against Angola in the qualifiers.

The only change comes in the goalkeeping department, where Thoko Mwase of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women replaces injured Chimwemwe Kaonga of MDF Lioness.

Fazili said Mwase was brought in because she has been performing well and provides the needed depth in the goalkeeping position.

He added that maintaining the rest of the squad will help keep continuity as the players already understand each other’s style of play.

With the squad now confirmed, the Scorchers will focus on intensifying their preparations for the Three Nations Women’s Tournament.

Scorchers’ goalkeepers for the Three Nations Women’s Tournament are Mercy Sikelo (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Thoko Mwase (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women) and Ireen Sibande (Silver Strikers Ladies FC).

The defenders include Maureen Kenneth and Maggie Chawula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Doreen Dickson (MDF Lioness), Benedatta Mankandwire and Lyna James (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Olivia Phikani and Rose Alufandika (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Ireen Khumalo (Silver Strikers Ladies FC) and Chimwemwe Madise (TP Mazembe).

Midfielders called up are Letticia Chinyamula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Funny Moyo (Mighty Wanderers Queens), Funny Magombo and Sara Mulimbika (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Rose Kabzere (Montpellier Hérault SC France), Vanessa Chiputula (Bilik Kazygurt Kazakhstan), Faith Chibhimtizu (Bik Hacken Sweden) and Tendai Sani (Zisd).

The forwards in the squad are Asimenye Simwaka (MDF Lioness), Fatima Laili (Ascent Soccer Academy), Tabitha Chawinga (Olympique Lyonnais Féminin France), Catherine Kachala and Sabina Thom (MDF Lioness).

The Maravi Post