Kinnah changes tune on inactive players

Malawi national football team (Flames) coach Kinnah Phiri has eased down a gear regarding his tough stance on senior national team players who are currently inactive, saying he will allow them to join the local players camp scheduled to start on April 8.

The players, who are currently hunting for clubs include defender Elvis Kafoteka and strikers Esau Kanyenda and Russell Mwafulirwa.

The development comes barely a few weeks after Kinnah’s declaration that he would not consider them for the forthcoming World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers if they do not find clubs.

But Kinnah on Tuesday insisted that he expects the three players to swallow their pride and join local teams to keep fit.

“I have softened my stance towards them. I expect them to join camp for local players next week if I am to consider them for the forthcoming games. As a first step, they need to prove that they are in shape for them to be considered for the China trip and then we can take it up from there.

“I believe it will also help them a lot if they join local clubs as they continue hunting for opportunities abroad,” said Kinnah.

He said midfielders Joseph Kamwendo and Fischer Kondowe have picked up form after joining local teams.

Kafoteka is in the country whereas Kanyenda and Mwafulirwa are in South Africa.

Kanyenda recently failed to clinch a deal with an Angolan side Kabuscorp whereas Mwafulirwa is yet to obtain a permanent residence permit in South Africa to enable him play for Jomo Cosmos.

Meanwhile, Mwafulirwa is reportedly now trying his luck at SuperSport United in South Africa.

Mwafulirwa, who hinted on a possible return to Europe to The Nation a fortnight ago, joined SuperSport this week, according to absapremiership.ensight.co.za.

The 29-year-old spent two months at Jomo Cosmos.

Cosmos’ local contact Ben Chiwaya on Tuesday corroborated the South Africa media report about Mwafulirwa’s presence at SuperSport, where Atusaye Nyondo belongs.

If Mwafulirwa passes trials, he could start afresh work permit application with the South Africa Home Affairs Department.

The former Absa Premiership champions SuperSport could still register the out-of-contract striker this season even though there are eight matches left in the championship campaign.

Mwafulirwa had been on trial at both Moroka Swallows and former club Jomo Cosmos since returning to South Africa from Sweden.

Mwafulirwa left Ajax Cape Town in 2008 for IFK Norrkoping, Sweden where he spent the last four seasons in both the first and second divisions.