Football Association of Malawi (FAM) President Fleetwood Haiya has assured Scorchers head coach Lovemore Fazili that he will remain part of the team’s technical panel at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, despite concerns over his coaching qualifications.
Fazili, who guided the Scorchers to a historic runners-up finish at the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and qualification for their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup, does not currently possess the CAF A coaching licence required to serve as head coach at the global tournament.
The coach remained in charge of the Scorchers during WAFCON because he had an existing contract with the national team. Speaking on the matter, Haiya said FAM recognises Fazili’s contribution to the team’s historic achievements and is determined to ensure that he remains part of the technical setup at the World Cup.
The FAM President said the Association has already identified Fazili as one of the coaches who will undergo the upcoming CAF A Licence coaching course, which CAF has authorised FAM to conduct locally in November or December.
“Coach Fazili is among the coaches earmarked for this course. However, by the time he will be undertaking his CAF A coaching course, the list of coaches who are supposed to lead the Scorchers at the World Cup will have already been submitted,” said Haiya.
He explained that the timing of the course and the submission deadline for the World Cup technical panel could prevent Fazili from serving as head coach, even if he successfully completes the training.
“Therefore, it will be difficult for Lovemore Fazili to lead the Scorchers at the World Cup because, even if he passes, the names are required before the CAF A examination results are released,” he said.
Haiya, however, emphasised that Fazili’s contribution to the Scorchers’ success cannot be overlooked, assuring him of a place within the technical panel as recognition of his achievements. The President further assured Malawians that FAM will put in place the necessary technical arrangements to ensure that the Scorchers are adequately prepared for their historic World Cup appearance.
He stressed that the Association’s ambition is to assemble a competitive team capable of challenging opponents on the global stage rather than merely participating in the tournament. The Scorchers secured their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification following an impressive campaign at WAFCON in Morocco, where they reached the final.
Their historic achievement forms part of FAM’s Football Transformation Agenda, which seeks to strengthen national teams and improve Malawi’s competitiveness in international football.