By Burnett Munthali
RABAT, Morocco — Malawi’s national women’s football team has been promised a substantial financial reward after securing the country’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
NBS Bank has announced a K245 million bonus for the Scorchers following their historic run at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The announcement came hours after Malawi defeated Algeria 3–1 in the semi-final on Wednesday, securing a place in the WAFCON final and, at the same time, qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four WAFCON semi-finalists qualify automatically for the global tournament.
Under the reward package, each player involved in Malawi’s campaign will receive K7 million, while the remaining funds will be shared among the 48-member delegation, comprising technical staff, officials and other members of the team’s travelling party.
NBS Bank Chief Executive Officer Temwani Simwaka praised the Scorchers for their determination and historic achievements.
«“The Scorchers have demonstrated courage, resilience and an unwavering determination to succeed. This reward is our way of saying: you have made history, you have made Malawi proud, and NBS Bank stands with you as you prepare for the world stage,” Simwaka said.»
The financial reward comes as Malawi celebrates one of the most significant achievements in the history of its women’s football.
The Scorchers, led by sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, have produced a remarkable campaign in Morocco, overcoming some of Africa’s most established football nations.
Their 3–1 victory over Algeria followed a dramatic tournament run that included a major upset against Nigeria, the continent’s record 10-time WAFCON champions.
The achievement has also transformed the international outlook for Malawian women’s football. Despite entering the tournament as a lower-ranked side, the Scorchers have defied expectations and earned their place among Africa’s elite.
Malawi will now turn its attention to the WAFCON final, where the team will meet either hosts Morocco or Cameroon.
For the Scorchers, however, the historic journey does not end in Morocco. With qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup secured, Malawi has already begun looking towards the global stage in Brazil.
The team’s success has generated widespread national pride, with the Scorchers becoming a symbol of determination, resilience and possibility for Malawi’s next generation of women footballers.
The K245 million reward from NBS Bank adds another significant chapter to a campaign that has already rewritten the history of Malawian football.
