Region 5 delights in Faith’s feat

The African Union Sports Council (Ausc) Region 5 has hailed Sweden-based Malawian blossoming women’s football star Faith Chinzimu for becoming the first player from the region to win the inaugural Uefa Women’s Europa Cup. The teenage Scorchers’ midfielder achieved the feat after her team BK Hacken beat fellow Swedish giants Hammarby 4-2 on aggregate in a two-legged final. The only other African player who turns out for BK Hacken is Nigerian Halimatu Ayinde.

In a statement, Ausc Region 5 says they are proud of Faith’s feat. Reads the statement: “History is not a moment. It’s a movement.

Faith Chinzimu has done more than win the Uefa Women’s Europa Cup. “She has opened a door. From Malawi to Europe, this is what Region 5 talent looks like when given opportunity.

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“This is not luck. This is potential meeting the world. Today, we celebrate Faith.

Tomorrow, we build systems that produce hundreds more.” The regional body added that the feat is testament that “the future of African women’s football is already here”. In an interview yesterday, the 19-year-old product of Ascent Academy in Lilongwe said she felt humbled with the recognition. Said Chinzimu: “It’s an amazing feeling winning the Europa cup because is something I always dreamed of.

This achievement means a lot for my career. “It shows that all the hard work, sacrifices and belief were worth it, but it’s not just for me. It is also for my family, coaches and all the players back home who believed in me.

I hope this inspires young players that anything is possible.” National Women’s Football Association president Adellaide Migogo said in an interview that Ausc Region 5’s acknowledgement reflects the importance of Faith’s achievement. “To be the only one from the region in the team that has won the inaugural Uefa Women’s Europa Cup is no small feat and we are proud that it had to be oue own girl. We are proud that she continues to fly Malaei’s flag high,” she said. Ironically, Faith has shone for both club and country having scored if her debut for the Swedish team in the preliminary stage of the European tournament.

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