SA-based players set for football return

After four months of inactivity due to the Covid-19 pandemic, eight South Africa-based Malawian footballers are set to return to action this weekend.

This follows a confirmation by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) yesterday that the proposed date for resumption is this Saturday subject to South Africa Football Association’s (Safa) approval.

Seven Malawian players, namely Limbikani Mzava (Highlands Park), Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango (Orlando Pirates), Gerald Phiri Jnr and Richard Mbulu (Baroka FC), Robert Ng’ambi (Black Leopards), Dennis Chembezi and Khuda Muyaba (Polokwane City) play in the top-flight Absa Premiership while Chawanangwa Kawonga (TS Sporting) turns out in the second-tier GladAfrica Championship.

However, in an interview from the Rainbow Nation yesterday, Mzava said they were yet to resume training on full-scale.

He said: “It’s a relief that the dates have been announced and I can’t wait to return to action. I am so excited.

“But then we are yet to start full preparations as a team. We are still training in bits and pieces as there are conflicting statements coming from PSL and Safa surrounding the exact date for resumption.

“Hopefully, we should have a clear picture by close of business today [yesterday].”

However, Phiri said his club has resumed full-scale training and he is raring to go.

“I reckon I am in good shape and we are definitely ready and excited about it,” he said.

Mhango currently stands proudly as the PSL leading scorer with 14 goals and looks forward to intensifying his chase for the Golden Boot Award.

Safa in conjunction with PSL suspended professional football in March as a precautionary measure against the spread of Covid-19 in that country.