Europe-based duo in for Saudi camp, Banda doubtful
Europe-based Flames players Charles Petro and Fransisco Madinga have joined the squad ahead of the Saudi Arabia camping in preparation for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Cameroon next month.
But Tanzania-based winger Peter Banda is doubtful for the trip as he is among a group of Simba SC players who are in quarantine on suspicion of having Covid-19.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the Moldova-based Petro and Madinga, who is based in Georgia, joined the squad in camp on Sunday.
He also said South Africa-based trio of striker Khuda Muyaba, defender Dennis Chembezi and midfielder Mike Mkwate, who play for second-tier GladAfrica Championship side Polokwane City, were expected in the country on Monday.
Zakazaka said three other South Africa-based players, captain Limbikani Mzava, Richard Mbulu and Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango alongside Sudan-based Gerald Phiri Jnr, will fly straight to Riyad, Saudi Arabia due to club commitments.
He said: “Mzava, Mbulu and Gaba have matches on Thursday, so they will join the team in Saudi Arabia. As for Phiri, logistically, it is easier that he flies straight to Saudi Arabia.
“Basically, we expect them to join the squad by this weekend.”
Meanwhile, Banda is doubtful for the trip after being taken ill at his club Simba Sporting Club.
According to a statement from the club, the attacking midfielder is among players that are sick.
Simba’s Super League match against Kagera Sugar was on Saturday postponed due to players’ illness.
Reads the statement in part: “On Monday, assistant coach Seleman Matola, made it clear to the media that three-quarters of the players are suffering from chest pains, flu and fever and their condition is still stable.”
FAM youth football development officer James Sangala confirmed in an interview on Monday that the former Nyasa Big Bullets winger is in isolation.
He said: “Peter has confirmed that he is in isolation and on Covid-19 treatment.
“According to him, they were just told to isolate for 10 days and as to whether he will make the trip, that will be determined by the TD [technical director Marian Mario Marinica].”
FAM is expected to announce the full list of the travelling squad today ahead of the team’s departure on Thursday.
The Saudi Arabia Football Association will meet all the costs of Flames’ camping, including travel and accommodation estimated at K82.5 million.
The Flames are in Group B alongside Senegal’s Teranga Lions, Guinea’s Syli Nationale and Zimbabwe’s Warriors.
The Afcon finals will run from January 9 to February 6 and the Flames’ opening match will be against Guinea on February 10.
