Flames coach Kinnah Phiri has called 16 foreign-based players for next month’s 2014 World Cup and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Flames will face Kenya’s Harambee Stars and Nigeria’s Super Eagles in World Cup qualifiers before facing Chad’s Sao in a second round second leg Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The coach has included the bulk of players who were reduced to sideshows at their respective South African clubs such as vice-captain Moses Chavula, Limbikani Mzava, Chiukepo Msowoya and Dave Banda
Also on the list are captain Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda and Harry Nyirenda who have just recovered from long injuries.
“I want to assess them from next week and see in what shape they are, then I will be able to determine whether they will be ready for the games.
“The good thing is that we have a deep squad now and the few that were injured such as the captain [Mponda] and Harry have since fully recovered. So, let us see how it goes. We cannot afford to take chances, the forthcoming games are crucial,” said Kinnah.
Also included are goalkeeper Simplex Nthala who has been on and off in Mozambique.
The others are James Sangala, Russel Mwafulira, Zicco Mkanda, Robert Ng’ambi, Tawonga Chimodzi, Peter Wadabwa, Robin Ngalande, Jimmy Zakazaka and Atusaye Nyondo.
The foreign-based players that have not been considered include goalkeeper Swadick Sanudi who only resumed playing a couple of weeks ago for South African First Division side Dynamos, defender Sankhani Mkandawire and midfielder Jacob Ngwira.
The foreign-based players are expected to arrive early next week just in time for the Tanzania friendly game,” said Nyamilandu.
