The Scorchers have been nominated for the 2026 CAF Africa National Team-of-the-Year Award following their impressive performance at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they finished as runners-up. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the team, defying expectations and showcasing their growth in women's football. The team's success has earned them recognition on the continental stage.
Four Scorchers players have been nominated for three different individual awards. Captain Tabitha, who plays for a club in France, and her sister Temwa, based in the US, are competing for the Africa Woman Footballer-of-the-Year Award. This is Tabitha's sixth nomination, including four consecutive nominations, while Temwa has been nominated for the fourth time. Their consistent performances have made them strong contenders for the award.
The Africa Woman Footballer-of-the-Year Award has a strong lineup of nominees, including Zambian duo Barbara Banda and Rachael Kundananji, Sanaa Mssoudy of Morocco, South Africans Thembi Kgatlana and Jermaine Seoposenwe, and Nigerians Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo. The competition is fierce, but Tabitha is confident that her sister Temwa is the odds-on favorite to win the award. Temwa's achievements and consistent performances make her a strong contender.
In addition to the Africa Woman Footballer-of-the-Year Award, two other Scorchers players have been nominated for individual awards. Rose Kadzere, a midfielder based in France, is in the running for the Africa Young Female Footballer-of-the-Year accolade. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo has been nominated for the Golden Glove award. These nominations demonstrate the team's overall growth and talent.
Tabitha expressed her gratitude and pride over the nominations, stating that they are well-deserved. She attributed their success to their performance at the Wafcon and praised her teammates for their progress. Tabitha also emphasized that the team's nomination for the Best National Team Award is a significant achievement, considering they were underdogs at the tournament.
The Scorchers' captain reiterated that Temwa is a strong favorite for the Africa Woman Player-of-the-Year Award, citing her impressive achievements. The awards ceremony will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 7. The team's performance at the Wafcon has raised expectations, and their nominations have generated excitement among football fans in Malawi.
The Scorchers' success has inspired a new generation of female footballers in Malawi, and their nominations for the CAF awards have brought attention to the growth of women's football in the country. With their impressive performance at the Wafcon and their nominations for the CAF awards, the Scorchers have made a significant impact on the continental football stage.
Key points
- The Scorchers have been nominated for the 2026 CAF Africa National Team-of-the-Year Award and have four players nominated for individual awards.
- Tabitha and Temwa are competing for the Africa Woman Footballer-of-the-Year Award, with Tabitha expressing confidence that Temwa will win the award.
- The CAF awards ceremony will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 7, and will recognize outstanding achievements in African football.
