Chawinga Sisters’ Journey from Dusty Fields to Stardom
The Chawinga sisters’ rise to football stardom began in the small district of Rumphi, northern Malawi. From a young age, their passion for the sport was evident. They played barefoot on dusty fields, competing against boys, undeterred by societal norms that dictated football was a male sport.
In their community, girls were expected to focus on household responsibilities, not football. However, Tabitha and Temwa defied these expectations. Their father, initially skeptical, later became one of their biggest supporters. Their determination and talent soon caught the attention of local coaches, who saw their potential to transform the sport in Malawi.
Their journey was not easy. They had to train in difficult conditions with limited facilities and no professional guidance. Despite the struggles, their passion remained strong, pushing them to work harder and prove that women, too, could excel in football. Their persistence laid the foundation for their international success.
Breaking Barriers in Malawi’s Football Scene
The Chawinga sisters faced numerous obstacles on their way to success. Malawi’s football culture was largely male-dominated, and female players were often ridiculed or discouraged. Tabitha, in particular, faced an extreme challenge when she was forced to strip naked during a match to prove she was female. Such incidents highlight the prejudice female footballers face.
Despite these barriers, Tabitha remained resilient. In 2014, she became the first Malawian woman to play professional football in Europe. She signed with Krokom Dvärsätts IF in Sweden, a third-division club, where she showcased her striking ability. Scoring 39 goals in 14 matches, she quickly became a standout player. Her impressive performance earned her a move to Kvarnsveden, where she scored 43 goals in a single season, helping the club secure promotion to Sweden’s top division.
Meanwhile, Temwa followed in her sister’s footsteps. Encouraged by Tabitha’s success, she also joined Kvarnsveden, where she made an immediate impact. Her powerful playing style and goal-scoring ability made her one of the most promising young footballers in Sweden. Eventually, she earned a move to China’s Wuhan FC, where she continued to shine. Today, Tabitha plays for Lyon, while Temwa is with Kansas City Current, cementing their places among the best female footballers in the world.
Chawinga Sisters Elevating Women’s Football in Malawi
Women’s football in Malawi is still in its infancy, struggling with limited financial support, inadequate infrastructure, and poor media coverage. Many talented young girls lack the opportunity to develop their skills professionally. However, efforts are being made to improve the sport. The launch of the top women’s division in 2020 marked a significant step forward.
In 2023, the league was rebranded as the Goshen-FAM Women’s League, thanks to a 60 million Malawian Kwacha sponsorship from Shepherd Bushiri’s Goshen Trust. While the prize money remains modest, with the winning team receiving 9 million MWK, the initiative provides an essential platform for female footballers to showcase their talent.
Football analyst Parly Chinyama believes Malawi has the potential to produce more world-class players like the Chawinga sisters. However, he stresses the importance of early development. Many girls in Malawi only start playing organized football at 15, which he argues is too late. Establishing structured training programs for young players is crucial for the growth of the sport.
Future of Women’s Football in Malawi
Suzgo Ngwira, former president of the Women’s Football Association of Malawi, acknowledges the growing interest in women’s football. With increased investment in coaching, infrastructure, and media coverage, she believes the sport will continue to rise.
The Chawinga sisters’ achievements have played a crucial role in changing perceptions about women’s football. More young girls are now eager to take up the sport, and public support is increasing. Attendance at women’s matches is gradually rising, and media coverage, though still limited, has improved.
Ngwira emphasizes the need for sustained investment in the sport. With the right support, Malawi’s women’s football could become one of the leading forces in Africa. She believes the country can produce more top talents like the Chawinga sisters, who continue to inspire the next generation.
Tabitha and Temwa’s story proves that dedication and perseverance can break barriers. Their success has paved the way for future female footballers in Malawi. With continuous development and support, women’s football in the country has the potential to thrive, bringing more opportunities to aspiring young athletes and elevating the sport to new heights.
