Scorchers keeper Sikelo quits after online abuse: ‘Thank you Malawi’
Scorchers goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo has announced her shock departure from the Malawi National Team, revealing the heartbreaking decision came after she was subjected to a barrage of criticism from fans over her performance in the WAFCON final.
The announcement, shared in an emotional open letter dated August 18, will send shockwaves through Malawian football, coming just days after the Scorchers’ historic run to the final ended in a 3-0 defeat to Cameroon in Rabat.
In a heartfelt statement addressed to the “Football Family,” Sikelo admitted the decision to walk away had not been an easy one.
“After much reflection and consideration, I have made the difficult decision to step away from the Malawi National Team (the Scorchers),” she wrote.
The goalkeeper didn’t shy away from revealing the painful trigger behind her exit, pointing directly to the wave of social media criticism that followed her display in the final.
“This decision comes following the criticism from some fans about my performance at the WAFCON on social media and the like,” she explained.
Despite the bruising send-off, Sikelo insisted her time in the Scorchers jersey remained the proudest chapter of her career, describing the honour of representing her country as a lifelong dream fulfilled.
“Wearing the Scorchers jersey has been the greatest honour of my career. Representing Malawi has always been a dream come true, and I have given my all every time I stepped on the pitch,” she said.
She paid an emotional tribute to those who had stood by her throughout her international journey, thanking her teammates, coaches and the technical panel, along with supporters who had believed in her.
“I am deeply grateful to my teammates, coaches, the technical panel, and all supporters who have stood with me throughout this journey. Your support and belief in me will forever remain in my heart,” she wrote.
Sikelo said she now intends to shift her focus toward her club career and personal growth, while wishing her former teammates well as they build on their historic WAFCON campaign.
“I believe this is the right time for me to focus on my club career and personal growth. I wish the Scorchers all the best in their future endeavors,” she said, signing off simply: “Thank you, Malawi.”
The news is likely to reignite fierce debate over the treatment of athletes on social media, with many expected to rally behind Sikelo following a tournament that, despite Sunday’s final heartbreak, delivered the greatest results in the history of Malawian women’s football.
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Ooh! What a shame to some so-called soccer followers. Like, really? How do explain this…treating your/our own player like that? We, true soccer lover, and true Malawians will still keep on holding you, Mercy, (just with the rest of the Scorchers) in high esteem👌🏼👊🏼
No reason for quitting,focus on what you do girl,that’s football people will still criticise.
Criticism is very destructive and weighs very or too heavily on victims…. it’s depressive and very few people can withstand such criticism as has barraged on Mercy. But my advice to Mercy is: Take the criticisms as stepping Stones to your excellence dear! Destiny places roadblocks to its attainment. But those who surmount these blocks reach their destiny… Go withdraw the resignation…and soldier on!
All the best Sikelo
Let others put on your shoes
Please Mercy, do not be moved by what people say, you did a great job out there. As a Team you made the whole country Malawi proud and as a woman you made us all proud. Remember, most people are good at criticising others but they themselves cannot even manage to contribute an inch to what hthey are criticizing about. Walk tall, pat yourself at the back and tell yourself i did my best and i am the best. Pick the main points and not the hate.