Hockey national teams selected
Hockey Association of Malawi (HAM) has selected its first national team after three decades in hibernation.
HAM general secretary Wanthanza Mughogho told The Nation yesterday that a 30-member squad, comprising 15 male and 15 female players, is training at the Kamuzu Stadium since Wednesday ahead of an international friendly against Zambia at Olympic Development Stadium in Lusaka on July 6.
“This is indeed the first time that we have called players to build a national team after decades. However, our focus is now to sustain the squad for a number of international competitions,” said Mughogho.
He said the Zambian Hockey Federation has invited Malawi for the men’s and ladies’ strength-testing matches so as to keep their squads in good shape ahead of Nianjing Games in China this year.
The Malawi national teams, which are expected to have a final selection of 20 players before leaving for Lusaka, have Chigo Gondwe, Geofrey Biya and Ulemu Ngwira as team manager, coach and team doctor, respectively. Kundai Mbawala and Benjamin Chaura are assistant coaches while Mughogho has been roped in as leader of delegation.
The men’s squad has Redson Mankhanamba, Asante Kagwada, Clifton Kanyangale, and Temwa Chirwa from Genetrix Club; Jones Dayo, Kundai Mbawala, Mc Jah Uzzuman and Jones Mwambela from Braves Club; Scorpions’ Levi Kumwenda and Innocent Poi Sabola; Allan Mwafulirwa and James Bandawe from Falcons Club; Clement Kachepa, and Thomas Malinki from Nyala Club alongside Waseem Kali from Mpingwe Sports Club.
The ladies’ section has Bridget Likoswe, Lilian Kadango, Memory Daphlen and Fainala Kalinga from Genetrix Club; Sano Kasamale, Joyce Msiska and Swilanga Padambo from Simba Ladies Club; Braves Club’s Ivy Sibale, Omega Uko and Chisomo; Alice Bandawe and Kezia Kangulu from Nyala Club; Sibongire Nyirenda and Chisomo Meya from Scorpions Club and Falcons Club’s Naomi.
