Malawi Withdraws from COSAFA Tournament After VP's Death
The COSAFA Cup, a regional tournament for Southern African nations, announced its 2024 dates on Wednesday. South Africa is hosting this year's event.
BLANTYRE, Malawi— The Football Association of Malawi announced Thursday it has withdrawn the national team from this year's COSAFA Cup following the death of Vice President Saulos Chilima in a plane crash, writes Happy Valirani.
In a press release, FAM said it was canceling Malawi's participation in the tournament scheduled for June 26 to July 7 in South Africa out of respect for the mourning period declared after Chilima's death.
"Considering the sorrowful atmosphere as the result of the tragic passing of the State Vice President...and the subsequent 21-day mourning period declared by the government, FAM highly considered it insensitive to proceed with our preparations and subsequent participation in the championship," the statement said.
Chilima and eight others died Monday when their plane crashed in the Chikangawa forest.
President Lazarus Chakwera announced a 21-day period of mourning. Chilima's funeral is set for June 17 in his home village of Nsipe.
FAM said it plans to arrange international friendly matches to keep the national team prepared.
The COSAFA Cup, a regional tournament for Southern African nations, announced its 2024 dates on Wednesday. South Africa is hosting this year's event.