Chavula says his exclusion justifiable

In a rare admission, Flames captain Moses Chavula has said his recent performance does not merit national team consideration.

The Mozambique -based left back was reacting to his exclusion from the squad that will face Benin’s Squirrels this coming Sunday in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final preliminary round first leg match in Cotonou.

“I have been with the team for many years and I know there will be times that I will not be at my best and in the previous game [against Chad], we did not perform well and if the coaches felt the need to make changes, then I respect their decision.

“I do not have a problem with my exclusion and it gives me vigour to pick myself up and work extra hard. I know that being a captain and a senior player I should have made the team, but this game is about performance,” said Chavula from Maputo on Sunday.

He was also a model of modesty saying Francis Mulimbika, the only natural left back that has been picked, is a good player who can deliver.

“Having said that, I wish the team all the best. I am someone who believes that national service should be a priority other than personal egos,” said Chavula.

Battle-hardened striker Esau Kanyenda, who has not included, has said he has not given up on donning national colours in future..

“I would still want to serve my nation, but the prerogative of team selection rests in the hands of the coaches. Time will be the best judge, but let’s support the team and respect the coaches’ decisions,” said Kanyenda from his Polokwane base in South Africa.

Flames assistant coach Jack Chamangwana said Chavula was dropped based on his recent performance, “as for Esau, we would have loved to assess him during the recent friendly match against Mozambique because we are not sure in what condition he is.”