Mtawali forced to leave out some players due to fitness levels

Flames coach Ernest Mtawali has disclosed that he has been forced to exclude some players from the Flames call-up as he is not sure about their level of fitness.

The Flames are expected to start training this morning at Chiwembe Technical Centre in Blantyre in preparation for October 7 2018 World Cup preliminary qualifier against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars away in Dar es Salaam.

Mtawali said Be Forward Wanderers midfielder Rafiq Mussa and striker Jabulani Linje are some of the players that he would have loved to include in the squad.

“There are a few players that I would have very much wanted to have a close look at such as Jabu [Linje] and Rafiq, but they have both just resumed serious training after being sidelined by injuries. I understand Rafiq suffered another knock.

“I will keep on following them to see how they are doing especially in game situations,” said the Flames mentor.

He also said Big Bullets defender Sankhani Mkandawire has also been left out due to injury.

Mtawali also said Moyale striker Deus Nkutu who was part of the 25-member squad, will not make it due to work commitments as he is supposed to travel to DR Congo on a peace-keeping mission.

He hinted that Nkutu is likely to be replaced.

Mtawali has included two new faces—midfielders Levison Maganizo and Kondwani Kumwenda of Fisd Wizards and Be Forward Wanderers respectively.