Tabitha Chawinga Rallies Support for Zambia at WAFCON

Malawi women’s national team forward and global football star Tabitha Chawinga says she is honoured to be part of the historic unveiling of the new TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy in Morocco.

Speaking to FAZ Media, Chawinga, who received a special invitation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), expressed pride in the revamped trophy and rallied support for Southern African teams, Zambia and South Africa, participating in this year’s tournament.

“It’s good to be part of this celebration. The new trophy is beautiful,” Chawinga said. “I came here to support our sisters, Zambia and South Africa. We’re from the same region, and I believe this trophy will come to us.”

Zambia has been drawn into a challenging Group A, which features hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo. However, Chawinga remains optimistic.

“We have a very big chance to win,” she said. “If we can pass this group, I think everything will be fine.”

Chawinga also hailed CAF’s decision to redesign the women’s trophy to mirror the men’s version, calling it a significant step toward gender equality in African football.

“I’m so proud. The old trophy had been there too long. Now it’s changed, it looks like the men’s trophy. That’s very important. It shows women’s football is being given the recognition it deserves,” she noted.

In her closing remarks, the icon sent a message of unity and encouragement to fans in Malawi, Zambia, and across the region.

“Let’s support our sisters. Win, lose, or draw, let’s give them motivation,” she urged. “We are one, Malawi, Zambia, let’s celebrate our women the same way we celebrate the men when they take Africa. Let’s stand together and cheer.”

The TotalEnergies WAFCON Morocco 2024 officially kicks off on Saturday, July 5, with Zambia facing the hosts, Morocco, in the tournament opener.