Airtel Malawi on Tuesday honoured the Malawi National Women’s Football Team, the Scorchers, with 5G routers and a year-long data subscription to recognise their historic campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The telecommunications company has extended the gesture to members of the Scorchers’ playing, technical and official contingent as a reward for a campaign that saw Malawi reach the WAFCON final on its maiden appearance at the continental showpiece.
Airtel Malawi Corporate and Public Relations Manager Steven Kapoloma said the Scorchers’ achievement was historic and deserved tangible recognition.
Kapoloma said Airtel had chosen to provide the team with connectivity because of the players’ hard work, commitment and teamwork throughout the tournament.
“The provision of 5G routers and a year’s data would help the players and officials remain connected to the world while serving as recognition of what they had achieved for Malawi. The team achieved a historic feat at the just-ended WAFCON, and Airtel Malawi felt they deserved to be honoured for their hard work and teamwork,” Kapoloma said.
The reward comes after the Scorchers produced one of the most remarkable campaigns in Malawi’s football history.
Making their debut at the WAFCON, Malawi opened their campaign with a stunning 3-2 victory over defending champions Nigeria, with the Chawinga sisters — Temwa and Tabitha — among the scorers. CAF described the result as one of the biggest shocks in WAFCON history.
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has welcomed Airtel Malawi’s gesture as FAM Executive Committee member Major General Gilbert Mittawa, who represented FAM President Fleetwood Haiya, said the association was excited by Airtel’s commitment and expressed gratitude to the telecommunications company for supporting the team.
“Gestures of this nature are important in boosting the morale of players and demonstrate the growing support of the corporate sector for women’s football. As FAM, we are excited about the commitment made by Airtel Malawi, and we are thankful for the support,” Mittawa said.
He said the recognition would motivate the players and serve as an indication that their efforts in representing the country were being recognised beyond the football pitch.
The Airtel reward comes at an important stage for the Scorchers, who have quickly moved from their historic WAFCON campaign to preparations for their next international assignment.
The team is scheduled to face Zimbabwe in the qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games, with the first leg set for Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Friday, October 9 this year.
