Wafcon 2026: Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga lead Malawi bid for glory in final

A switch to Europe came in 2014 after an American working for a non-governmental organisation had a spell at DD Sunshine before relocating to Sweden.

The NGO worker joined third-tier side Krokom Dvarsatts, and DD Sunshine owner David Dube then suggested the Swedes try out Tabitha as well.

“When Krokom Dvarsatts hesitated, Mr Dube offered to pay visa and flight costs for me to travel to Sweden for trials,” said Tabitha.

“I joined the team and they were immediately impressed with my strength, dribbling, shooting from far and scoring skills.”

She had to wait until after her 18th birthday to make her debut, then became the first Malawian woman to play in Europe and scored 39 times in 14 games.

Tabitha continued her exploits at second-tier Kvarnsveden, netting 43 goals to help them win promotion, and was then leading scorer in the Swedish top flight in 2017.

A six-year spell in China followed, which saw her win three league titles, three golden boots and two player of the season awards.

A successful loan with Inter Milan in 2022-23 also saw her win the Serie A golden boot.

“My goal is to achieve for African people,” she said after that feat.

“I need to play for the girls in Africa. They need to see there are women in this world that can play football like men.”

It was Paris St-Germain next for the striker, and another landmark as the first woman from Malawi to play and score in the Uefa Champions League in 2023.

France’s most decorated female side, Lyon, came calling and Tabitha has helped them to back-to-back domestic titles.

She played in last season’s Champions League final defeat by Barcelona.