National Sports

2 new faces in Flames squad for Cecafa

Red Lions goalkeeper Brighton Ngwenyama and Azam Tigers promising forward Moses Nankumba are the notable two new faces that have been called up in the 25-member Flames squad to start preparations for the Cecafa Tusker Senior Challenge Cup to be staged in Uganda from November 24 to December 8.

Civo United defender John Lanjesi, who has not been part of the squad for over a year due to an injury and Blue Eagles defender Patrick Masanjala, have been recalled.

Moyale Barracks forward Gastin Simkonda also returns to the squad after completing his military training. The squad is expected to go into camp at Chiwembe Technical Centre in Blantyre this Sunday evening.

TNM Super League leading scorer Vincent Chinthenga continues to be the surprise exclusion.

According to FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda, the team will proceed to go into camp while awaiting government’s approval on the request for supplementary funding. He said the Flames’ budget for the tournament is K18 million.

“Initially, it was coming up to around K30 million, but Cecafa accepted our request to meet travel expenses and so the budget has gone down drastically,” said Nyirenda.

He said the budget includes the team’s local and external camping allowances, participation fee amounting to $400 [about K132 000] as well as game bonuses.

FAM exhausted its K70 million annual funding prior to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations second-leg qualifier against Ghana’s Black Stars.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has since asked Treasury for supplementary funding to enable the Flames to take part in the East and Central African showpiece.

Minister of Youth and Sports Enoch Chihana expressed optimism that Treasury will approve the request to enable the team to take part in the tournament.

“FAM exhausted their allocation and have since submitted a request for supplementary funding to Treasury.

“We are hopeful that supplementary funding will be approved considering the importance of the tournament. We hope to get a positive response,” said Chihana.

The minister also said he has approached the corporate world for financial assistance.

Flames coach Kinnah Phiri said it is important that the Flames should take part in the tournament as it will help them tune up for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers that are expected to resume in March next year.

“Since we are not taking part in the Chan tournament, it is important that we take part in the Cecafa competition so as to help us prepare for the World Cup qualifiers,” said Kinnah.

The Flames full squad is as follows: Goalkeepers: Owen Chaima, Charles Swini, Ngwenyama; Defenders: Moses Chavula (C) Foster Namwela, Bongani Kaipa, Francis Mulimbika, George Nyirenda, Stevie Chagoma, Masanjala, Pilira Makupe, Lanjesi; Midfielders: Joseph Kamwendo (VC), Davie Banda, Chimango Kaira, Frank Banda, Ndaziona Chatsalira, Macium Mhone, Peter Pindani; Strikers: Gabadinho Mhango, Simkonda, Chiukepo Msowoya, Rodrick Gonani, Green Harawa and Nankumba.

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