RVG calls up 10 foreign-based players

Flames coach Ronny van Geneugden (RVG) has called up 10 foreign-based players to join the local-based squad currently in camp in preparation for an international friendly match against hosts Uganda on March 27.

According to Flames team manager James Sangala, the foreign-based players are expected to be in camp by next Monday to gel with the local-based players before leaving for Kampala, Uganda, later that week.

South Africa-based defender Limbikani Mzava, striker Robin Ngalande and midfielders Robert Ng’ambi and Gerald Phiri Jnr have made it alongside Mozambique-based midfielders John and Frank Banda, striker Chawanangwa Kaonga and goalkeeper Charles Swini. Zambia-based midfielder Dalitso Sailesi has also been considered along with Portugal-based striker Richard Mbulu.

South Africa-based forward Atusaye Nyondo and Mozambique-based striker Schumacher Kuwali, who were in the squad that faced Lesotho in the previous friendly in November last year, have been left out.

“We expect the called-up foreign-based players to be in camp by next Monday. However, we are waiting for confirmation from their respective clubs as regards their release for national duty,” he said.

Mzava, who is the Flames captain, said he is ready to serve in the national team once his South Africa Premier Soccer League (PSL) club Lamontville Golden Arrows gives him a go ahead.

The Flames resumed camp training with 21 local-based players on Tuesday and the latest development means 31 players will compete for places in the final squad that will be announced next week.

A few days ago, RVG dropped three local-based players— defender Emmanuel Zoya (Nyasa Big Bullets) and attackers Mphatso Philemon (Silver Strikers) and Fletcher Bandawe (Civil Sporting Club).

Zoya was left out due to a groin injury while the other two were excluded because the squad expected three foreign-based strikers on top of the four that are already in camp.