Cecafa GS wants Flames to take part in tourney

The general secretary of Cecafa, Nicholas Musonye, has said he would like the Flames to take part in the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup Tournament once again as hosts.

The tournament is expected to be staged next month in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.

Musonye said this when he recently visited the country as security officer for the 2013 Afcon decisive qualifier between the Flames and Ghana in Lilongwe.

“I want Malawi to compete in the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup. I have already discussed the issue with both FAM and the national football coach Kinnah Phiri,” said Musonye.

However, he said the final decision on Malawi’s participation will be made by the body’s executive committee.

“But Malawi will be number one priority because it was once a good member of Cecafa and they are disciplined,” he said.

According to Musonye, other countries that have shown interest to take part in the tournament are Cameroon (Under-23) and Zimbabwe national soccer teams.

“But as I said, to me Malawi is number one priority,” he insisted.

FAM general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda confirmed that Malawi might take part in the tournament subject to Cecafa’s confirmation.

“We are still waiting for official confirmation from Cecafa; otherwise, we would like to take part in the tournament because it will help us tune-up for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers,” said Nyirenda.