Flames coach Kinnah Phiri has picked the same number of local and foreign-based players for next weekend’s 2014 World Cup away qualifier against Kenya and the two international friendly matches against Tanzania and Zanzibar.
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For sometime, Kinnah has been criticised for inclining towards his foreign-based arsenal at the expense of local players in competitive games.
However, 10 local players were part of the 20-member squad that flew out to Tanzania en route to Kenya for the three international matches on Thursday.
The 10 locals are goalkeepers Amadou Ali and Richard Chapuwa, defenders Foster Namwela, Pilira Makupe and Steve Chagoma, midfielders Chimango Kaira, Joseph Kamwendo, Ndaziona Chatsalira , Frank and John Banda.
The foreign-based players are goalkeeper Simplex Nthala, defenders Moses Chavula [stand-in captain], James Sangala and Limbikani Mzava, midfielder Davie Banda, strikers Robin Ngalande, Jimmy Zakazaka, Russell Mwafulirwa, Atusaye Nyondo and Zico Mkanda.
Nyondo is expected to join the squad in Der es Salaam on Sunday after his team SuperSport United’s Nedbank Cup final game against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Kinnah described the squad as fairly balanced and said he is optimistic they will do well.
“It is a good blend of locals and foreign-based players.
“Of course some foreign-based regulars such as the captain [Peter Mponda], Robert Ng’ambi, Chiukepo [Msowoya], Peter Wadabwa, Harry [Nyirenda] and Tawonga [Chimodzi] will not be able to make it due to various reasons, but I have hope in the squad that I have selected,” Kinnah said before departure.
Mponda and Chimodzi could not make it because their South African team Santos is involved in promotion and relegation play-offs; Wadabwa, Ng’ambi and Nyirenda are reportedly injured whereas Chiukepo could not arrive in time for the game.
The leader of delegation is FAM executive committee member James Mwenda.
