Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has appointed Thom Mkorongo as national women’s football team coach.

Mkorongo, who holds a Confederation of African Football (CAF) A coaching licence, returns as Scorchers coach, having led the team in 2015 after replacing Temwa Msuku.

A statement from FAM says Mkorongo will lead the team at the 2022 Cosafa Women’s Championship in South Africa from August 31 to September 11 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Re-appointed: Mkorongo

Reads the statement in part: “Mkorongo will be deputised by Andrew Chikhosi and Abbas Makawa as first and second assistant coaches, respectively.

“Chisomo Nakoma has been maintained fitness coach with Phillip Nyasulu as goalkeeper trainer while Violet Bunya and Yamikani Magombo are team manager and team doctor, respectively.”

Mkorongo replaces McNebert Kazuwa, who led the team to the 2021 Cosafa Women’s Championship final where they lost 1-0 to guest, Tanzania.

FAM technical subcommittee chairperson Tiya Somba Banda said they decided to engage Mkorongo, who is Ascent Soccer director, following his track record in women’s football.

He said: “We thought of bringing in coaches who are active with women’s football at the moment, considering that, currently we don’t have a full-time coach for the Scorchers.”

FAM competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka said Mkorongo will start his job immediately.

He said: “The new coach is expected to name his Cosafa Cup squad by the end of the week as the Scorchers are expected to start camp on Monday August 15 in Lilongwe.”

Initially, FAM wanted to hire an expatriate coach, but the plans did not materialise due to lack of funds.

The Scorchers have had six coaches since 2012 when the team was formed.

Msuku (2012) was the first Scorchers coach and was succeeded by Mkorongo in 2015.

Malawi women’s football pioneer Maggie Chombo-Sadik (2016–2018) became the first female women’s football national team coach after succeeding Mkorongo.

He was replaced by late Stuart Mbolembole who had a year-long stint before being replaced by Abel Mkandawire in 2019.

Kazuwa, (2020-2021) who replaced Mkandawire in 2021 is the most successful coach having led the team to the Cosafa Women’s Championship final last year.

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