Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has recognised Scorchers captain Tabitha Chawinga for her exploits in Italy.
Tabitha, who won the Golden Boot award, having scored 23 goals in 21 matches for Italian Serie A Femminile side Inter Milan Women, received a personalised Scorchers kit labelled TC11 with number 23— representing number of goals she scored in Italy.
In addition, she got a portrait of her in the Inter Women jersey with a congratulatory message from Fam President Walter Nyamilandu.
“You made history as the first Malawian and also the first African to win the Golden Boot of the Serie A Femminile. You are the true definition of breaking barriers and glass ceilings,” the statement reads.
Tabitha was given a special role on Saturday when she was tasked to present the Castel Malawi Challenge Cup trophy together with reigning Miss Malawi Jescar Mponda at Bingu National Stadium.
Tabitha said she was thrilled with the recognition.
“I feel honoured and humbled by the gesture shown by all Malawians. I do not take this for granted. This is a motivation to the girl child,” Tabitha said.
Tabitha also met First Citizen President Lazarus Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace last week before meeting Vice President Saulos Chilima at Capital Hill on Friday.
On Saturday, Tabitha received K1 million from Standard Bank as a token of appreciation for her exploits in Italy.
Tabitha is the first female African player to win the award in Italy.
The former DD Sunshine striker has a reputation of winning the Golden Boot award in her debut season in all the three countries she has played.
She won the Golden Boot award with 38 goals in her debut season in Sweden before scoring 17 goals in China.
