17-year-old Scorchers star is Cosafa's best upcoming women's player

Source: The Times Group Malawi
Author: Mphatso Malidadi

SHINING FOR MALAWI -- Chinyamula delivers her speech while holding her trophy

Malawi Women's National Football Team midfielder Leticia Chinyamula was all smiles last night after being named the 2023 Cosafa Most Promising Women's Player during a gala night held at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

But Scorchers captain Tabitha Chawinga was not as lucky as she missed out on the Cosafa Women's Footballer of the Year award, which went to Zambian Rachel Kundananji.

Tabitha and Kundananji were nominated for the accolade alongside another Zambian Barbara Banda.

After receiving the award, 17-year-old Chinmyamula walked to the microphone and spoke of her excitement.

''I did not expect it. I thank God for making it possible. The competition was tough,'' she said.

Chinyamula starred for the Scorchers as they won their first ever Cosafa Women's Championship following a 2-1 victory over Zambia in Pretoria, South Africa, late last year.

She scored two goals during the competition, including in the 4-3 win over South Africa and the 3-1 beating of Madagascar in group stage encounters.

During last night's contest, the Ascent Soccer Academy goal poacher defeated compatriot and teammate Rose Kabzere and Zambian Esther Banda.

Kabzere scored one goal during the regional tournament but was also a key member of the title-winning Scorchers.

Malawi's goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo was nominated for the Women's Goalkeeper of the Year category but the award went to South Africa's Andile Dlamini.

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis was named the 2023 Cosafa Women's Coach of the Year.

Another South African, Victor Gomes, won the 2023 Cosafa Referees Legend accolade whereas Diana Chikotesha of Zambia was named the Best Female Referee.

The Most Promising Referee award went to Tsiaro Randriambololoma of Madagascar whereas South African Thapelo Maseko won the Men's Most Promising Player award.

Football Association of Malawi President Fleetwood Haiya and Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire attended the event.