Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, from Rumphi, Malawi, have risen to international football fame despite facing societal challenges. Passionate about football from a young age, they played alongside boys, which laid a career foundation for Tabitha. Their talent, recognized by a local coach, helped to shift Malawi's perception of women's football, traditionally viewed as a male sport. Tabitha's international breakthrough came in 2014 when she became the first female Malawian to play in Europe, impressively scoring 39 goals in her debut season in Sweden. Their story encapsulates the spirit of perseverance in sports.
"I did whatever the boys did and that laid the foundation for my football career," Tabitha recalls, emphasizing how playing with boys strengthened her skills.
Despite their determination, the sisters faced many challenges to reach international status. Tabitha was once forced to strip naked during a match to prove she was female.
In 2014, Tabitha became the first female Malawian footballer to play in Europe, joining Krokom Dvarsatts IF, where she scored 39 goals in 14 league matches.
Parly Chinyama stated that their undeniable talent and shared passion for the sport helped change the perception of women's football in Malawi.
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