Flames coach calls 4 new faces for camp
Flames’ coach Meck Mwase has called four new faces to the local-based squad as the national football team starts residential camping at Mpira Village in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre on Monday.
The local-based squad is expected to face Zambia in Lusaka in an international friendly on March 11 in preparation for back-to-back 2021 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Burkina Faso on March 26 and 31.
The latest additions come after 27 local-based players recently underwent a three-week non-residential training in the country’s three regions as a way of keeping fit during off-season break.
During a press briefing in Blantyre yesterday, Mwase said he has roped in Ntopwa FC midfielder Mphatso Magaleta alongside defenders Nickson Mwase (Civo United), Eric Kaonga (Mlatho Mponela) and Paul Ndhlovu (Mafco) as a cover in case of injuries.
“But if they impress during training, they will make it to the final squad,” he said.
Mwase said the squad will regroup after the Zambia friendly, for a final camp with foreign-based players.
Magaleta and Kaonga yesterday said they are happy to have been called up and they will do their best to make it to the final squad.
“It is my dream to play for the national team and I am happy with my inclusion in the Flames squad,” Magaleta said.
The squad has also seen Flames legend Lawrence Waya and MajahaNdhlovu being roped into the technical panel as strikers’ trainer and fitness trainer, respectively.
The Flames will play the first leg of their Afcon qualifier away in Burkina Faso on March 26 before hosting The Stallions on March 31.
The following is the local-based squad that has been called into camp; Goalkeepers: RabsonChiyenda, Brighton Munthali, William Thole and BonageLweya.
Defenders: Ted Sumani, Stanley Sanudi, Peter Cholopi, Precious Sambani, Gomezgani Chirwa, HadjiWali, Mwase, Lusekero Malema, Kaonga, Nickson Nyasulu and Ndhlovu.
Midfieders: Lloyd Njaliwa, Micium Mhone, Duncan Nyoni, Mike Mkwate, Chimwemwe Idana, RafickNamwera, Peter Banda, Magaleta, Felix Zulu, Chimango Kayira, Isaac Kaliati and Chikoti Chirwa.
Strikers: Hassan Kajoke, Patrick Phiri, Vincent Nyangulu and Foster Bitoni.
