Revered Italy-based Malawian women’s football star Tabitha Chawinga says she is targeting to buy school materials and sports equipment for selected rural schools through her ‘Believe in the Possibilities’ campaign.

The initiative aims at inspiring the girl child to pursue sports careers while pursuing their education.

The campaign recently saw her win the eBay Values Award which recognises a top-level player with distinguished behaviour to change the lives of others.

In an interview on Tuesday, the Scorchers captain said: “At an appropriate time, I will officially launch the campaign there at home and I plan to engage FAM [Football Association of Malawi], Malawi National Council of Sports and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Tabitha: Girls should believe in their aspirations

“But for a start, I have produced branded merchandise such as drinking bottles, cups and T-shirts which have hit the market though not at full-scale. For now, they are being sold at our TC 11 shop in Lilongwe and we are working on logistics to reach out to other areas.”

The 26-year-old prolific forward said she has invested in the campaign using her personal resources and all the profits will be channelled towards the cause.

“I am looking at identifying three schools, one in each region, for a start and the target is to donate school materials and sports equipment worth K2 million for each school.

“Over and above that, the plan is to be presenting motivational talks in rural schools as part of the drive to encourage the girl-child.

“I believe my background will be enough motivation for the rural girls so that they should believe in their aspirations.”

Tabitha also said some organisations in Europe, Italy in particular, have shown interest to partner her in the campaign.

“I will also approach the corporate world and other organisations there at home for assistance,” she said.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu hailed Tabitha for the initiative.

He said: “Tabitha is a source of inspiration to many people, having broken barriers that even men have failed to achieve.

“The initiative she has launched will motivate girls and boys to believe in themselves that they can compete with the best in the world as long as they have self-belief and determination.

“Her success story is an inspiration to girls who are playing football in Malawi that they should believe in their ability to scale to greater heights and not to have a mental block.”

Women’s rights activist Emma Kaliya also hailed Thabitha for her effort, saying: “This is commendable. These are the things we value when we are looking at women leadership. This kind of thinking and efforts need to be encouraged.”

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