Mtawali starts local players’ assessment

Flames coach Ernest Mtawali has embarked on local players’ assessment ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations’ double qualifier against Guinea’s Syli Nationale next month.

Mtawali said with the domestic season currently on break, he will be monitoring the players through training sessions and friendly matches.

On Wednesday, he watched Be Forward Wanderers’ training session at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

“With most clubs having started pre-season training, I will be attending some of the sessions and friendly games.

“We already identified the [local] players that we are targeting for the Guinea matches, but there is still need to determine their form and physical condition with the help of club coaches.

“So, subject to FAM’s [Football Association of Malawi] approval, I plan to travel to as far as Lilongwe for that exercise,” said Mtawali.

Meanwhile, FAM on Tuesday presented a Nissan X-Trail vehicle to the national coach as pledged by the FAM executive committee to ease his transport challenges.

“I am very grateful to FAM executive committee and management because without a vehicle, it was a big problem to effectively carry out my duties,” said Mtawali after being presented with the vehicle by FAM general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda. n