WAFCON-bound Malawian Thom clinches Moroccan club deal

Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)-bound Malawian star Sabina Thom has secured an early flight to the forthcoming tournament’s host country, Morocco.

However, the 30-year-old has not been too punctual travelling to the North African nation two months before WAFCON kicks off. The striker has signed for Phoenix Academy Marrakech WFC in Morocco.

The former TP Mazembe women’s team forward has signed a two-year contract with the North African team from MDF Lionesses FC in Malawi.

In a statement, Lionesses FC confirmed the transfer of the Scorchers regular who will be part of coach Lovemore Fazili’s team at the WAFCON finals.

“Sabina departs the Lionesses after a remarkable spell marked by commitment, passion, and professionalism. In her final appearance for the club against Topik Academy, she delivered once more, finding the back of the net and earning Player of the Match, a fitting farewell for a player who consistently rose to the occasion,” reads the statement.

“Her contribution throughout the season has been immense, playing a pivotal role in the team’s strong league finish. Her fellow players salute her for the outstanding work, dedication, and leadership she displayed throughout the season, both on and off the pitch.”

How Thom failed to realise a dream of playing in Georgia

Thom announced her exit from Mazembe last year to sign a two-year contract with Georgian top-flight league side, WFC Lanchkhuti. However, the transfer collapsed last June due to a Visa complication which resulted in the cancellation of her contract.

The Scorchers player won trophies with Mazembe most notably lifting the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco where they beat AS FAR 1-0.

The Malawian moved to the Congolese side MDF Lioness in 2023. She had previously had stints in Sweden at Kvarnsvedens and Simba SC in Tanzania.

Thom is among Scorchers’ reliable players based in Europe alongside Tabitha Chawinga of Lyon, Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current, US) and Rose Kadzere for FC Montpellier (France), Faith Chimzimu (Sweden).

A new chapter in Morocco

Phoenix Academy Marrakech WFC secured Thom’s signature from MDF Lionesses FC, marking another international step in the experienced forward’s career. The transfer was officially confirmed by Lionesses FC, who paid glowing tribute to the striker’s impact during her spell with the club.

“Sabina departs the Lionesses after a remarkable spell marked by commitment, passion, and professionalism,” the club said in a statement. “In her final appearance for the club against Topik Academy, she delivered once more, finding the back of the net and earning Player of the Match — a fitting farewell for a player who consistently rose to the occasion.”

The statement further highlighted Thom’s influence on and off the pitch, noting her leadership qualities and her pivotal role in the team’s strong league finish.

Key boost ahead of WAFCON

For Malawi, Thom’s move to Morocco is seen as a timely boost ahead of WAFCON. Being based in the host country allows the striker to acclimatise early to local conditions, while competing in a competitive environment that mirrors the level she will face at the continental finals.

Thom is expected to be part of coach Lovemore Fazili’s final squad for the tournament, where Malawi will aim to make a strong impression against Africa’s elite women’s teams.

A career marked by resilience

Thom’s journey to this point has not been without challenges. In 2024, she announced her departure from TP Mazembe Women after agreeing a two-year deal with Georgian top-flight side WFC Lanchkhuti. The move, which would have marked another milestone in her European ambitions, ultimately collapsed due to visa complications, leading to the cancellation of her contract before she could feature competitively.

Despite that setback, Thom showed remarkable resilience, regrouping and continuing her career in African club football rather than allowing the disappointment to derail her progress.

Continental success with TP Mazembe

Before the failed Georgian move, Thom enjoyed one of the most successful spells of her career with TP Mazembe Women. She was part of the historic squad that lifted the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, triumphing on Moroccan soil after a narrow 1–0 victory over AS FAR in the final.

That achievement cemented her status as one of Malawi’s most accomplished women footballers and proved her ability to perform on the biggest stages of African club football.

Experience across Africa and Europe

Thom joined MDF Lionesses FC in 2023, adding further consistency to her club career. Prior to that, she had spells in Sweden with Kvarnsvedens, as well as in Tanzania with Simba SC, experiences that broadened her tactical understanding and professionalism.

Her move to Phoenix Academy Marrakech WFC now represents another chance to blend African and international exposure, as Moroccan women’s football continues to grow in stature and investment.

Part of a strong Malawian core abroad

Sabina Thom remains one of the Scorchers’ most reliable overseas-based players. She is part of a growing group of Malawian internationals plying their trade abroad, alongside stars such as Tabitha Chawinga of Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, Temwa Chawinga at Kansas City Current in the United States, Rose Kadzere of Montpellier, and Faith Chimzimu, who also plays in Sweden.

This strong foreign-based core gives Malawi hope of competing with greater confidence at WAFCON, as the team blends international experience with local talent.