Nyasa Big Bullets have said their women’s football team, Blantyre Zero, will take part in the second edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League whose registration rolls out on May 30.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) has written national associations informing them to start the club licensing process which will determine the eligibility of the interested teams.

Bullets’ chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda yesterday said: “We are eager to take part in the event and we are just waiting for FAM to provide us with the requirements.

“We believe we have what it takes to take part in the tournament.”

Blantyre Zero (in white) in action against Ascent Academy

He also said they are finalising the process of buying Blantyre Zero’s franchise.

“We are hoping to finalise the process in the next three to four days.”

Should they meet the requirements, Zero will become the first Malawian team to take part in the women’s continental showpiece which starts at regional level.

DD Sunshine, who failed to take part in the inaugural tournament due to a communication breakdown with FAM, said they will decide on Monday whether to participate in this year’s edition.

The Lilongwe-based outfit’s chairperson Anthony Msendema said: “We have been notified about the registration process, but our focus is on the upcoming FAM [Football Association of Malawi] National Women’s Championship final on Sunday.

“Otherwise, the desire is there and we will meet on Monday to discuss the issue and make a decision.”

Ironically, Zero and Sunshine will meet in the final of the tournament.

China-based women’s football star Tabitha Chawinga is the main sponsor of the team through her business, TC 11 Investments.

FAM licensing and compliance manager Casper Jangale yesterday confirmed receipt of the communication from CAF, saying they have referred the issue to National Women’s Football Association (NWFA) to take it up with teams.

However, he said he was not sure about how many teams a country can contribute towards the Cosafa Women’s Club Championship, which is used as the qualifying tournament.

In herreaction, NWFA chairperson Suzgo Ngwira yesterday said they have since sent participation requirements to the eligible teams and they are awaiting their responses.

She said: “We have not had an official confirmation from any of the clubs yet, but we know that there are a few that are interested and are capable.

“Should we have one or two teams taking part, then it will be a big boost for women’s football as a number of players will be exposed to international football.”

According to a communique from CAF, participating teams will have to meet selected minimum club licensing requirements to be eligible for the tournament.

The CAF Club Licensing process for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League 2022 has been officially launched. 

Reads part of the communique: “ Clubs intending to participate in the CAF Women’s Champions League 2022 [zonal qualifiers and final phase] must fulfil the criteria and requirements related to: Sporting; Infrastructure; Administrative and Personnel;  Legal; and  Financial.

“ CAF would also like to reemphasise that only licensed clubs, which receive the licence from their respective federation will be allowed to participate in the CAF Women’s Champion League 2022.”

The inaugural tournament was held in Egypt last year and was won by Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.

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