FAM credits club licensing rule for Malawi women's AFCON qualification

A licensing rule forcing men’s clubs to run women’s teams just paid off with Malawi punching an Africa Cup of Nations ticket.

FAM links rule to AFCON breakthrough

• The Football Association of Malawi credits licensing for the milestone.
• Christopher Madalitso Kuyera spoke at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
• Kuyera tied women’s team mandates to the AFCON qualification.
• He called the outcome one of licensing’s clear payoffs.

Super League clubs must field women

• TNM Super League sides are required to run women’s teams.
• FCB Nyasa Big Bullets comply with the updated criteria.
• Mighty Wanderers also maintains youth and women's squads.
• Silver Strikers and Kamuzu Barracks follow the same setup.

The licensing push has gained traction since 2014

• The system was first rolled out in Malawi in 2014.
• Recent seasons have seen clubs lean into stricter standards.
• Compliance spans sporting, infrastructure, staffing, and admin areas.
• All 16 top-flight clubs sent reps to the workshop.

Ekhaya FC sees doors opening

• Ekhaya FC Chief Executive Officer Thando Mhango backed the framework.
• Mhango said the mandate helps women reach national selectors.
• His club views the structure as a serious competitive edge.
• Investment in youth and women's squads will continue.