Malawi national football team goalkeeper Rabson Chiyenda has failed to join camp after testing positive for Covid-19 for the second time, a development that threatens chances of his availability during the forthcoming friendly matches against Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) disclosed this in a press statement which further revealed that goalkeeper trainer Swadick Sanudi tested positive for the virus prior to the team’s camp kickoff three weeks ago. But the Flames legend has since recovered.
The revelation comes a day after Silver Strikers defender Hadji Wali was declared coronavirus free after testing positive during the initial tests of the squad members called into camp ahead of the next month’s matches.
FAM said in a statement issued yesterday: “Sadly, goalkeeper Rabson Chiyenda tested positive again and is back in isolation waiting to go for another test.”
The three were among the four people that tested positive for Covid-19. FAM, however, only described the other person as “[FAM owned] Mpira Hotel staff member “who has also been cleared after the second test”.
Chiyenda described the experience as tough, but was optimistic he would overcome it.
“It has been tough, but I am working hard to beat this. I am home and in isolation waiting for another test. I am encouraged by results from my colleagues who also tested positive in the first place,” he said.
On his part Sanudi said: “I would like to thank all those who supported me. It was so difficult for me when I got the news. Covid-19 is real, but it is beatable if you follow all the protocols and measures as advised by medical experts.”
Wali commended the FAM Task Force on Covid-19 for supporting him through provision of medical and moral support as he battled the disease.
He is quoted by his club’s website as having said: “My family, FAM and my club Silver Strikers were checking on me quite regularly and that helped my recovery process.”
FAM Covid-19 Task Force chairperson Chimango Munthali hailed the trio for disclosing their status, saying their openness will give the football governing body confidence in its fight against the pandemic.
Sanudi and Wali have since joined the Malawi national team which went into camp a fortnight ago to prepare for the friendly matches as part of preparations for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burkina Faso in November.Flames ‘keeper fails 2nd Covid-19 test
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