Malawi women’s national football team captain Tabitha Chawinga has predicted that it is just a matter of time before her younger sister Temwa wins the Women's Ballon d’Or.
The Scorchers skipper made the prediction during a luncheon which Malawi's First Lady Madame Gertrude Mutharika hosted for the team on Thursday in recognition of them finishing as the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) runners-up in Morocco.
The debutants lost 3-0 to eventual champions Cameroon in Rabat on Sunday to wrap up the rookies’ fairytale run that saw them stun giants Nigeria, Algeria and Ghana on the way to the final.
WINNING WAFCON GOLDEN BOOT AWARD
Temwa contributed greatly to the success, scoring five goals and providing two assists to emerge as the Wafcon Golden Boot Award winner.
With such a performance, the Olympique Lyonnes striker said she has no doubt that her sister will eventually deliver the goods on the world stage.
I introduce to you my favorite best player! pic.twitter.com/vgP8JV1zao
— Tabitha Chawinga (@tabitha_tc11) August 21, 2026
“She is my superstar. She is my best player. I believe in her. One day, or even next year, we will be here celebrating that she has won the Ballon d’Or,” the 30-year-old said.
Despite their outstanding performance for club and country, the sisters have never won any continental individual accolades.
NOMINATIONS FOR WOMEN'S BALLON D'OR
It is now expected that their displays at the Wafcon will give them an advantage to stake their claim on global accolades.
Tabitha and Temwa earned the Women's Ballon d’Or nominations in 2024 and 2025, with the latter finishing 17th last year following her exploits with Kansas City Current in the United States, where she won the Golden Boot last season.