Scorchers coach Fazili hails FAM president Haiya’s tireless efforts behind historic WAFCON quarter-final run

Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili has heaped praise on Football Association of Malawi (FAM) leadership, led by president Fleetwood Haiya, crediting the association’s meticulous preparation for the team’s historic run to the WAFCON quarter-finals.

Speaking after Malawi topped a fiercely competitive Group C – finishing above continental heavyweights Nigeria and neighbours Zambia despite arriving as the lowest-ranked side in the entire tournament – Fazili said the level of support his squad received in the build-up had been instrumental in their success on the pitch.

The coach revealed that a packed schedule of friendly matches, combined with consistent encouragement from FAM’s leadership, had given his players the platform and confidence needed to compete against far more established footballing nations.

‘We had a lot of friendly matches and motivation from the office,’ Fazili said. ‘President Fleetwood Haiya has put in a lot of effort throughout, so this is a token of appreciation to him.’

The coach went on to reflect on the wave of national pride the team’s achievement has sparked, saying the celebrations extended far beyond the playing squad and coaching staff to ordinary Malawians following the tournament back home.

‘We are really happy and I understand all Malawians are happy,’ he added, capturing the mood of a nation still buzzing after scenes of jubilant celebration, complete with gospel singing and prayers, broke out in the dressing room following confirmation of their qualification.

Fazili’s comments echo those of FAM president Haiya himself, who was pictured leading emotional celebrations among the players in Rabat, describing the achievement as ‘a milestone truly worth celebrating for Malawian football.’

Malawi will now turn their attention to Sunday’s quarter-final clash against  Ghana, with a place in the semi-finals – and a historic first-ever World Cup qualification – on the line for the Scorchers as they look to build on the momentum from their remarkable group-stage campaign.