Rugby Football Union of Malawi (Rfum) has for the first time in 23 years formed a national team that will play a test match against Lesotho at St Andrew’s International High School in Blantyre on August 27.
Rfum chairperson Gus Banda said the 30-player squad is expected to start camp training this weekend to identify 21 players to make the final team.
He said the international friendly match seeks to help the country crawl back into the world rugby rankings.
Malawi last appeared on the rankings in 1993.
“For any national team to earn rating points on world rugby rankings table, they need to play at least three international matches per year and the game against Lesotho will be the first in our bid to be ranked again after so many years [of inactivity],” Banda said.
Prescious Inkosi Matache and Leon Malila are the coaches for the team while Frank Phoya, Beverly Laher and Zain Qureshi are team doctor, physiotherapist and team manager respectively.
Matache is confident that the revived national team will be a strong side.
Most of the players in the squad have been active through participation in club competitions such as FMB Lesley Sevens Tournament and Superior Halaal Championship.
The squad is as follows:
Forwards: Eric Mumba, Sam Kabambe, Martin Chilakalaka, Brennan Bartlet, Tony Longwe, Prescious Mbawa, Shadreck Grevine, Blessings Jumbe, Rolland Kamanga, Majawa Duwe, Yusuf Nyambi, Khumalo Kapetuka, Chimwemwe Mvera, Chadza Kathewera, Mahuta Kariko and Odala Chisati.
Backs: Andrew Gwazagere, Chifundo Mawere, Malila, Prince Chanje, Alster Momba, Dave Ndalama, Justin Mkandawire, Ryan Hogan, Cedric Chewale, Clement Ndalama, Jack Mphande, Bright Matumula, Jao Nzinza and Brighton Mwando.
