MDF Lionesses roar in Central Fam Cup

Lionesses have dethroned Ascent Academy who won the title last season with 100 percent record. Lionesses Coach John Kaputa, who is also MDF Technical Advisor, said unity and hard work made the difference. It was not easy but the players were determined,” the former Football Association of Malawi Technical Director said.

Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Lionesses produced a vintage performance and showed great character to win the 2023 Central Region Football Women’s League.

They won the league in style by thrashing Blue Eagles Ladies 5-1 in the last game of the campaign.

Lionesses have dethroned Ascent Academy who won the title last season with 100 percent record.

The soldiers have finished the campaign with 37 points from 13 matches, two points above runners-up Ascent, who claimed a 2-0 victory over Civil Service United after the latter were found guilty for causing abandonment of the match.

They only lost one match by 2-1 margin to Ascent in the entire campaign.

Formed three years ago, Lionesses have won the title in their second appearance in the regional playoffs.

Silver Strikers Ladies finished third with 33 points. Lionesses Coach John Kaputa, who is also MDF Technical Advisor, said unity and hard work made the difference.

“Credit to the players for working hard throughout the campaign. It was not easy but the players were determined,” the former Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Technical Director said.

Kaputa said the team has switched focus to the national phase.

“Our target is to win the national title and qualify for the Caf Women’s Champions League,” he said.

For winning the regional title, Lionesses will pocket K4 million whereas Ascent will get K1.5 million.

Silver Ladies will pocket K1 million whereas Civil Women will receive K750,000. Lionesses, Ascent and Silver Ladies have qualified for the national finals.

Ascent Coach Thom Mkolongo said they are concentrating on winning the national title.

“We started the league slowly but the girls picked up towards the end of the campaign,” Mkolongo said.

Central Region Women’s Football Association (CRWFA) chairperson Ivy Zimba was impressed with the level of competition in the league.

“We had some challenges but overall everything went on well,” Zimba said.

In the Southern Region, Kukoma Ntopwa were crowned champions despite losing 1-0 to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women in the last game. Moyale Barracks were also crowned champions in the Northern Region