Malawi U17 Boys National Team Head Coach Enos Chatama has reacted to the draw for the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations | COSAFA Qualifiers, stressing the need for solid preparation and on-field performance over reputations.
Malawi has been drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, Madagascar, and Zambia, in what many see as a group of death.
But Chatama believes matches are won on the pitch and not on reputation.
“On paper, being paired against South Africa, Madagascar, and Zambia looks to be a tough group, but we have to prepare very well because football is played on the ground and not on paper,” said Chatama.
Reflecting on last year’s outing, the coach acknowledged that the team underperformed and has taken key lessons into the new campaign.
“Last year we did not do well. We drew two games and lost one in a group where we were paired against Mozambique, Angola, and Lesotho,” he said.
“We learnt some important lessons from that tournament, and this time we need to prepare thoroughly. We must review our past mistakes and move forward with a stronger mindset. We believe that exposure and experience bring you closer to greatness.”
Chatama emphasized the importance of getting off to a strong start.
“The most important game is the first game. We need to prepare very well for it, as it sets the tone and gives you a picture of the whole tournament.”
Chatama is expected to release his camping programme ahead of the regional tournament which will run from September 11 to 20, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe, and serves as the qualifying phase for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
All matches will be played at the Heart Stadium in Waterfalls and Ngoni Stadium in Norton.
Malawi last qualified for the U17 AFCON in 2009, finishing fourth after losing to Burkina Faso in the third place encounter.
Below is the full technical panel:
Head Coach – Enos Chatama
Assistant Coach – Mapopa Msukwa
Fitness Trainer – George Sangala
Goalkeepers Coach – Hethwin Nkumbaleza
Manager – Benjamin Thole
