Flames coach says players not fully fit
Flames coach Meck Mwase says his local-based charges are not fully fit ahead of the trip to Zambia this morning for an international friendly match against Chipolopolo on Wednesday.
Malawi national football team face Zambia at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka on Wednesday before hosting the Warriors of Zimbabwe at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Sunday.
Said Mwase: “The period for preparations was rather too short for players who have been out of action for about eight months.
“But I am happy that within the short period, they gave out something extra and I would say the level of commitment and fighting spirit were impressive.”
He also bemoaned the absence of South Africa-based estranged captain Limbikani Mzava and Fransisco Madinga who plies his trade in Georgia.
“I would really have loved to have the two in the squad to see how they can fit in as we prepare for Burkina Faso.
“They really wanted to be part of the squad, but circumstances have forced them not to avail themselves,” said Mwase.
The Flames gaffer said he will use the two upcoming international friendlies for coordination and tactics.
Meanwhile, South Africa-based forward Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango flew in the country yesterday, almost completing the Flames’ arsenal for the two friendly matches.
Initially, the Orlando Pirates hitman was supposed to arrive on Friday, but was denied travel by authorities in Johannesburg due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Mhango has joined six other foreign-based players, namely USA-based Yamikani Chester, Mozambican-based duo of John ‘CJ’ Banda and Schumacher Kuwali; South African-based quartet of Gerald Phiri Jnr, Richard Mbulu, Dennis Chembezi and Chawanangwa Kawonga, who arrived at the weekend.
The last to join the squad will be Moldova-based defender Charles Petro, who will fly straight to Lusaka.
Apart from the nine foreign-based players, Mwase has named 12 local-based players for the Zambia trip.
They are goalkeepers Brightone Munthali, William Thole and Ernest Kakhobwe, defenders Stanley Sanudi, Peter Cholopi, Precious Sambani and Nixon Nyasulu, midfielders Chimango Kayira, Chikoti Chirwa, Peter Banda and Chimwemwe Idana and striker Hassan Kajoke.
The Flames are preparing for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations’ back-to-back qualifiers against Burkina Faso’s Stallions next month.
