Captain Mzava out of Zim game
Flames captain Limbikani Mzava has been ruled out of Saturday’s 2017 Africa Cup Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe’s Warriors due to a hamstring injury.
Both Flames coach Ernest Mtawali and the player confirmed the development yesterday.
“Mzava is definitely out of the Zimbabwe game due to an injury. He sent me a text that he is still recovering from a hamstring injury..
“It is a blow because his experience is always vital, but then we have no choice and we will have to do with the players that are available,” said Mtawali yesterday.
On his part, the South Africa-based Mpumalanga Black Aces defender said:: “I would have loved to play but I am not OK. I am going through recovery process and it would be a big risk to feature in a competitive match at this point.”
According to Mtawali, in Mzava’s absence, vice-captain Chiukepo Msowoya will put on the armband.
Meanwhile, Mozambique-based players—goalkeeper Charles Swini, midfielders Joseph Kamwendo, John ‘CJ’ Banda and striker Schumacher Kuwali—are expected to join the Flames camp today, virtually completing the squad for the Zimbabwe encounter.
The Flames, who anchor Group L with two points from four games, must win their remaining encounters against Zimbabwe and Swaziland’s Sihlangu to boost their outside chance of qualifying for Gabon 2017.
Zimbabwe top the group with eight points.
