Haiya promises more international tournaments hosting

Football Association of Malawi President, Fleetwood Haiya, says he is happy to host the first ever Women's international tournament and has promised to host kinds of these tournaments in his tenure.

Haiya said this after the kick off of the COSAFA CAF Women's Champions League in Malawi at the Mpira Stadium on Thursday afternoon where 8 teams from different countries are meeting in a bid for a ticket to the fourth edition of CAF Women's Champions League.

Haiya said he is happy to host this kind of tournament which will help to expose talents in Malawi and also inspire young girls who also wish to play Football at a higher level to work hard and set goals.

He said if he is to be given 19 years just as the people which his predecessor, Dr Walter Nyamilandu Manda, stayed on the seat, Malawi will host many international tournaments.

He said: "This is not the first tournament to host in my 7 months stay as a president, remember we

had the four Nations tournament which was for men's football so in 7 months, we have had two tournaments, what if I am given 19 years then it will be more so I hope this wouldn't be the last tournament to host."

Meanwhile, the minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Uchizi Mkandawire thanked the government for their support in the women's football and pledged for more support in different sporting activities and national teams.

He said, "Government is committed in supporting football in all spheres as we are building different stadiums in the country and also we have been supporting national teams in different tournaments so we need to see them performing well and we remain committed to continue helping them."

The tournament started with group A matches as Herentals Queens from Zimbabwe beat FC Ongos Ladies from Namibia 3-1 in an early kick off match whereas 2022 edition Champions, Green Buffaloes from Zambia managed to beat University of Western Cape from South Africa 1-0.