Former Malawi Queens captain Joana Kachilika says she knew she would not last long in the squad currently in camp in preparation for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
The Imosys coach/player has been dropped alongside three upcoming players, namely Hope Mdala, Mary Nyirenda and Francine Chipeta.
She said: “I saw it coming. When I was called into camp, I knew my chances were 50-50 because it appears the coach [Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa] doesn’t really appreciate my services.
“Ever since she became coach, I have hardly made her final squad. I don’t think it’s something to do with performance because I have been doing well and even my fitness level is way better than others in camp.
“Maybe I wronged her somewhere, but she has never opened up to me, neither have I.”
Nevertheless, the goal defender said she is not bitter with her exclusion.
“All in all, everything happens for a reason and I always praise God,” said Kachilika.
However, in an interview yesterday, Chawinga-Kaluwa said all four players dropped, failed to make the grade.
She said: “Considering the performance and fitness levels we wanted, they were below par.
“You will recall that all players were undergoing online training and they were aware of our expectations.”
Kachilika is one of the Queens’ most experienced players with over 100 caps alongside the likes of Carol Mtukule-Ngwira, Mwawi Kumwenda, Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda, Jane Chimaliro, Sindi Simtowe-Msowoya and Grace Mwafulirwa-Mhango.
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