Ng’ambi, Micium, Kayira, Malata recalled
Flames caretaker coach Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan has recalled Robert Ng’ambi, Micium Mhone, Chimango Kayira and Lucky Malata into Flames squad that will go into camp on Sunday ahead of the dead rubber 2017 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Swaziland next month.
Former Flames coach Ernest Mtawali, who headed the technical panel until last month when Ramadhan was his assistant, dropped Ng’ambi and Kayira from the squad which faced Zimbabwe in the same competition in June.
He also dropped Mhone after the Zimbabwe match due to alleged indiscipline as he reportedly refused to shake hands with Mohammed Sulumba when he was being substituted.
However, Ramadhan said at a during a press briefing held in Blantyre yesterday that he has included the four in his 27-player squad to assist on his mission of achieving glory against Swaziland.
According to Ramadhan, who is expected to be in charge of the Flames until next September 10, he wants to have a strong squad to beat the Swaziland so as to help Flames improve on Fifa world rankings table where they are on position 133.
“At present, we are not building a team as our aim is to win our imminent match to improve on the rankings. We know we are already out of Afcon race but at least there is something to fight for,” Ramadhan said.
“Moreover, I have recalled the trio, which was left out by my predecessor, because I believe every coach has his own football philosophy and has a different understanding of individual players.”
Moyale Barracks striker Gastin Simkonda, who was recently on a peacekeeping mission in DRC, has also made a comeback.
Nevertheless, Ramadan has dropped South Africa-based striker Atusaye Nyondo and Be Forward Wanderers midfielder Isaac Kaliati because they are reportedly nursing injuries. Another South Africa-based player Robin Ngalande has not been considered due to lack of game time at his club.
Defender Limbikani Mzava and striker Chiukepo Msowoya have been maintained as captain and vice-captain, respectively.
Silver Strikers midfielders Thuso Paipi and Mathews Sibale alongside Blue Eagles right-back Steve Chagoma, midfielder Gilbert Chirwa and striker Maxwell Salambila are some of the new faces in the squad.
FAM finance and administration director Christopher Mdolo said they bank on the K30 million from Flames co-sponsors FDH Bank to host Swaziland. The squad is expected to stay in camp for two weeks.
The rest of the squad is as follows: Goalkeepers: Charles Swini, Richard Chipuwa and Enerst Kakhobwe; Defenders: Miracle Gabeya, Yamikani Fodya, Stanley Sanudi, Harry Nyirenda, Francis Mulimbika, Mzava, Chagoma and Malata. Midfielders: Chikoti Chirwa, Rafick Namwera, Kayira, Ng’ambi, Mhone, John Banda, Paipi, Sibale, Gerald Phiri Jnr, Dalitso Sailesi and Gilbert Chirwa; Strikers: Salambula, Peter Wadabwa, Gabadinho Mhango, Simkonda and Msowoya.
