Chilapondwa deserves Flames call up, Says BB coach

Bullets coach Eddngton Ng’onamo has said his matchmaker James Chilapondwa deserves a Flames call-up, if selection to the national team depends on a player’s form.

Ng’onamo claimed Chilapondwa is currently the best defending midfielder on the local scene.

The player was omitted from the current 25-man Flames local squad that is in camp. Flames was preparing to meet Uganda in a friendly game next Wednesday. The game has since been cancelled.

“James [Chilapondwa] is in top form at the moment. I do not see why he should not be in the national team. If the coach selects players depending on form, then Chilapondwa’s name should have been among the top five on his list,” said Ng’onamo.

Chilapondwa was a regular for the Flames under European coaches Steven Constantine and Burkhard Ziesse, playing as defending midfielder. However, he lost his place from the time Kinnah Phiri took over the Flames. His last call-up was in 2009 during the Chan qualifier against Mozambique.

He reported a day late for training together with Noel Mkandawire after returning from Mozambique and were dropped. Since then, the two have never been called again despite shining in the Super League.

“National team selection is at the discretion of the coach, so there is very little I can do to influence that. I know I still have what it takes to play at that level, so if called, I am available,” said Chilapondwa.

Kinnah said on Thursday the door is not closed for Chilapondwa.

“I do not have any issues with him or Noel. They apologised for coming late and we resolved that only that I have been trying to give youngsters a chance as we are building a future team,” he said.