Malawi Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili will not be eligible to lead the national team as head coach at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup because he does not hold the required CAF A coaching licence.
Football Association of Malawi president Fleetwood Haiya has said Fazili will remain part of the team’s technical panel, while the association works to support his professional development.
FAM plans to conduct a CAF A coaching course locally in November or December 2026, subject to the arrangements announced by the association. However, the coach-selection deadline for the World Cup is expected to come before Fazili completes the course.
Fazili guided Malawi to its first-ever Women’s World Cup qualification after the Scorchers’ impressive run at WAFCON 2026.
The development presents a challenge for the technical team as Malawi prepares for the tournament in Brazil, scheduled for 24 June to 25 July 2027.
Why it matters: The situation highlights the importance of coaching qualifications in international football and the need to develop local coaches alongside national-team players.