Wanderers FC up-and-coming striker Victor Mpinganjira has received his first call-up to the Malawi national football team (the Flames) after being drafted into the coach Kinnah Phiri’s 25-man local squad.
The Under-20 international has been called to replace Epac FC striker Ishmael Thindwa who has withdrawn due to academic commitments.
FAM general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said in an interview on Wednesday that Thindwa is busy with his studies.
“So the coach has decided to draft in Mpinganjira because he is one of the up-and-coming strikers on the local scene. He has joined the squad today [Wednesday],†said Nyirenda.
A learning process
Mpinganjira said he is excited with the call-up.
“I never expected it. I might say it has come really early for me. I just got a call from FAM when I was at home saying I should go to camp. I will work hard, but to me it will be more of a learning process,†he said.
This is the second time Thindwa has missed Flames camping due to academic commitments. Last year, he missed the Flames group stages matches at the Cecafa tournament as he was writing exams.
Mpinganjira has two Under-20 caps and is set to follow the footsteps of his father, Albert, and uncle, Bob, who starred for Wanderers and the Flames.
