Chimodzi goes for Flames continuity
Flames coach Young Chimodzi’s 34-member provisional squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations group qualifiers, named on Friday, represents continuity built around home-based players.
His deputy, Jack Chamangwana, dissected the squad which started camp training yesterday at Chiwembe Technical Centre in Blantyre, when asked about what it represents.
“What we want first is continuity and then to try the new players who are doing well in the league. We want to have a strong base of good local players,” explained Chamangwana on Friday.
Twenty-four members of the squad are drawn from the Super League. It includes the joint-leading scorer Kumbukani Mwambene.
The squad also comprises new comers Paul Ndhlovu, Saidi Mtekama of Mafco and Azam Tigers skipper Gomezgani Gondwe. Striker Mussa Manyenje has also earned a call-up alongside his Big Bullets team mates Bashir Maunde and Victor Limbani.
The Flames are shaping up ahead of six gruelling Group B matches starting with a trip to Mali on September 5 2014.
Malawi’s group also has Ethiopia and Algeria with the top two assured of a place at the Morocco finals. The overall third best side will also qualify for the finals.
Chimodzi also named South Africa-based players Black Leopards’ Harry Nyirenda, Bloemfontein Celtic’s Frank Mhango, Limbikani Mzava, alongside Platinum Stars’ midfielder Robert Ng’ambi, Robin Ngalande (Ajax Cape Town) and University of Pretoria’s in-form striker Atusaye Nyondo.
Other foreign-based players are Joseph Kamwendo (TP Mazembe), Chimango Kayira and Chiukepo Msowoya of Costa do Sol in Mozambique.
The full squad is as follows – Goalkeepers: Mc Donald Harawa (Moyale Barracks), Richard Chipuwa (Mighty Wanderers) and Vincent Gona (Big Bullets); Defenders: Sankhani Mkandawire, Yamikani Fodya and Bashir Maunde (Big Bullets), Bongani Kaipa and Francis Mulimbika (Mighty Wanderers), Lucky Malata (Silver Strikers), John Lanjesi (Civo United), Paul Ndhlovu (Mafco), Harry Nyirenda (Black Leopards, SA) and Limbikani Mzava (Bloemfontein Celtic, SA); Midfielders: John Banda, Phillip Masiye and Micium Mhone (Blue Eagles), Frank Banda, Ndaziona Chatsalira and Young Chimodzi Jnr (Silver Strikers), Zasha Mngong’oneza and Saidi Ntekama (Mafco), Victor Limbani (Big Bullets), Malumbo Gondwe (Azam Tigers), Robert Ng’ambi (Platinum Stars, SA), Chimango Kayira (Costa dol Sol, Mozambique) Joseph Kamwendo (TP Mazembe, DRC), Robin Ngalande (Ajax Cape Town, SA)
Strikers: Kelvin Hanganda (Mafco), Gastin Simukonda (Moyale Barracks), Kumbukani Mwambene (Red Lions), Frank Gabadinho Mhango (Bloemfontein Celtic, SA), Mussa Manyenje (Big Bullets), Atusaye Nyondo (University of Pretoria, SA) and Chiukepo Msowoya (Costa do Sol, Mozambique).
