Nyirenda replaces Chiukepo at Flames camp

Mighty Be Forward Wanderers striker Victor Nyirenda has replaced injured Big Bullets forward Chiukepo Msowoya in the 25-member Flames squad currently in camp for the 2018 World Cup preliminary qualifier against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars.

Flames team manager Clement Kafwafwa has confirmed that Nyirenda joined camp yesterday after Msowoya was declared unfit by Beit Cure International Hospital following a hamstring injury he sustained during Bullets’ TNM Super League match against Red Lions at Kamuzu Stadium last weekend.

“Team doctor Levison Mwale went with Chiukepo to the hospital where it emerged he will be nursing his injury for two weeks,” Kafwafwa said.

“We have, therefore, released him so that Bullets should take care of him since he was injured while playing a club match. Nyirenda, who joined camp this morning (yesterday), has now taken Chiukepo’s place.”

However, the Flames manager said Nyirenda’s call up does not mean automatic inclusion into the final squad as he has to fight for place alongside strikers Manase Chiyesa, Deus Mkutu, Luka Milanzi, Muhammed Sulumba and Green Harawa.

Kafwafwa also clarified that Nkutu, who was said to be leaving for a peace-keeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is still in camp because his club Moyale Barracks have confirmed that he will depart in January 2016.

The Flames will take on Tanzania away in Dar es Salaam on October 7 before a return leg at Kamuzu Stadium on October 11.