Minjale is one of the six Malawian players who play in the Mozambican flagship Mocambola League. The others are Simplex Nthala, Emmanuel Chipatala, Zicco Mkanda, Sankhani Nyirenda and Gerald Nkungula. Out of the six, only Nthala plays for the national team. He started playing for the Flames before he went to the neighbouring country.
Minjale, who captains Chingale de Tete, claimed in an interview that after the match that was played in Maputo, the Mambas coach approached him and a few other Ferroviario players to get their particulars so that they could be considered for [Mozambique] national team.
“I had a grand game as a central defender that afternoon and the coach called me and two other Ferroviario de Maputo players to get our particulars, but my club coach [Tiago Machaisse] told him that I am a Malawian.
“He told me that he liked my confidence and steadiness and went further to ask if I play for Malawi national team to which I said no. He then asked if I would mind playing for Mozambique and I told him I would have to give the issue a serious thought because it would mean changing my nationality since dual citizenship is not allowed here [in Malawi],†Minjale said.
Chingale coach confirmed the inquiry by the Mambas coach on Minjale.
“He [Minjale] played exceptionally well in the final match. No wonder the national coach asked about him. He has also done very well for the club and that is why he was made captain,†said Machaisse from Tete.
Mozambique Football Association media officer Jose Sidio-Mugadza said he needed time to follow up on the matter.
‘I am not aware of that, I will have to check with the coach,†he said.
Minjale, who played for Big Bullets and Civo United on the domestic scene, said he is not bitter for not being considered for the Malawi national team appearance.
“It happens. We cannot all play for the national team, it’s not possible,†said Minjale, who also had a stint with top Mauritus club Curepipe Starlight FC.
Another Malawian soccer enthusiast based in Mozambique James Pondomale also spoke highly of some Malawian players plying their trade in Mozambique citing Minjale, Nyirenda, Mkanda and Chipatala.
“I am aware that Mozambican authorities approached Minjale after the Super Cup final to consider playing for Mambas. The league here is very competitive and I would ask the national coach [Kinnah Phiri] to consider having a look at some of these players. They are doing very well,†Pondomale said.
Other Malawian players who are tipped to join top Mozambican league clubs in the forthcoming season are Bongani Kaipa, Diverson Chilemba, Phillip Masiye and Chikondi Likwemba.
Kinnah said he would follow up on the performance of Malawian players in the top Mozambican league, including Minjale.
“It is difficult to assess them because of the distance, but I will make an effort to monitor their performances,†he said this week.
