Chikoti glad to be back in Flames

Red Lions captain Chikoti Chirwa says he is glad to be back in the national football team, the Flames’ squad after a year-long absence following a tour of duty in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on peace reinforcement mission.

Chirwa, a Malawi Defence Force soldier, was one of coach Ronny Van Geneugden’s favourites in 2017 and kept his place in the national team until he was deployed to DRC.

But upon his return after staying a year without playing, the holding midfielder has not lost his touch, prompting RVG to call him into camp in preparation for the forthcoming 2019 Afcon back-to-back qualifier against Cameroon next week.

Chirwa said: “I am just glad that the technical panel has trust in me and decided to call me for the camp after such a long abscnce. It shows that they have confidence in me.”

The tough tackling midfielder, however, said he still needs time to be at his best.

“A year without playing football is a long period. It’s not going to be easy for me to win back my place in the Flames first XI. But I am ready to fight for the position. I will be at my best soon,” he said.

Commenting on Chirwa’s performance after returning from DRC, RVG said he was impressed with his work rate.

“Of course, he needs some time to regain his former self. But I am happy with his progress. He just needs a little bit of pushing to be back to his best,” he said.

The Flames squad of local players regrouped last Sunday at Mpira Village in Chiwembe, Blantyre.

Out of the 26 players called into camp, only Moyale Barracks’ Gastin Simkonda has not made it due to an injury he sustained at his club. na