National Sports

Kamwendo to lead Flames

Mozambique-based midfielder Joseph Kamwendo will captain the Flames during their away 2014 World Cup qualifier against Namibia in Windhoek next Saturday.

Kamwendo will be deputised by Silver Strikers defender Lucky Malata who will be making his first trip with the Flames.

Announcing the appointments on Friday, Flames coach Eddington Ng’onamo said they opted for Kamwendo because of his ability to motivate his colleagues.

“Kamwendo is a fighter and plays a leading role in bringing confidence in his fellow players. He is one of the players who can single-hardly win the game by rising to the occasion when the chips are down.

“He plays well and is a 90-minute player. Above all, he is very experienced; that is why we gave him the armband.

“As for Malata, he is well disciplined. The behaviour he showed in camp was superb and this coupled with his play, [makes him deserve the position]. By the way, we decided to have one [captain] from the foreign-based group and another from the local side,” said Ng’onamo.

Meanwhile, the coach has included Malata and his Silver teammate Young Chimodzi Junior as the new faces set to make their debuts in his full squad for Namibia.

Also included from the local group are Bullets duo of Douglas Chirambo and Fischer Kondowe who are making a comeback after some years in the wilderness.

Chirambo last played for the Flames in 2008 under Steven Constantine and, coincidentally, his last game was a friendly against Namibia in Windhoek which Malawi won 3-1.

Kondowe last played for the Flames in 2011 during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when Malawi drew one-all with Botswana.

The other locals are goalkeeper Owen Chaima, defender Steven Chagoma, midfielders Ndaziona Chatsalira and Chimango Kayira and strikers Gastin Simkonda and Gabadinho Mhango.

Goalkeeper Charles Swini and midfieder Frank Banda have been left out after suffering injuries.

Foster Namwela has also been excluded as he is expected to leave for Mozambique today to sign a deal with an undisclosed team.

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