No rest for some SA-based players

Some of Malawi’s South Africa-based players will not rest when they return home for off season as they are expected to go straight into Flames camp in preparation for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group B home qualifier against the Comoros.

The South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) season concluded last weekend and the players are expected to start trickling in today.

Flames coach Ronny van Geneugden (RVG) yesterday said the Flames will start full-scale camping this evening ahead of the match scheduled for June 10.

“The plan is to regroup Monday evening [today] and start training Tuesday morning,” he said.

However, RVG said the list of players that will make the final camp, including foreign-based players, will be released today.

Malawi currently has seven players in the PSL and these are captain Limbikani Mzava and Chiukepo Msowoya (Golden Arrows), Robert Ng’ambi and Gerald Phiri Jnr ( Platnum Stars), Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango (Bidvets Wits), Atusaye Nyondo (Bloemfontein Celtic) and Esau Kanyenda (Polokwane City).

Isaac Kaliati also signed a five-year deal with Cape Town City recently, but he is only expected to start playing next season.

Meanwhile,  RVG has said he is slowly finding the rhythm in the players, something that he has been looking forward to.

“[During the three-day pre-camp training], I wanted to know the true personalities behind these players. Physical, mental and leadership aspects are some of the elements we were looking to see. Some of these players will be part of the squad,” he said.

Mzava said he is ready to sacrifice his physical condition for the sake of the national team.

“Our job is to play football, so I do not think it will be a big worry. We will have time to rest after the match,” he said. n