SA-based pros arrive for Zimbabwe friendly

South Africa-based Flames defender Limbikani ‘Pupa’ Mzava and striker Robin Ngalande missed their flight from Johannesburg to Blantyre on Wednesday, but flew in the country on Thursday via Lilongwe. They boarded the same plane with forward Esau Kanyenda.

FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda on Thursday confirmed that Mzava and Ngalande arrived at OR Tambo International Airport the airport minutes after boarding time and were forced to change flights.

This means the three players will only train with the team today ahead of Saturday’s friendly match against Zimbabwe’s Warriors at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

However, Ng’onamo said they would still be part of the coaching panel’s plans.

The coaches took turns to justify the inclusion of Ngalande who has not played for his club Bidvest Wits for the better part of the season.

Said Ng’onamo: “We just want to give him the benefit of the doubt to see if he can make it.”

Ernest Mtawali chipped in, saying: “He [Robin] might not be playing for the first team, but he has been featuring regularly for the reserve side.”

Patrick Mabedi said there are a number of factors that come into play when determining player-fielding.

“The fact that Rob is not playing does not mean that he is not doing fine. It could be because of several factors such as game approach,” said Mabedi.

Asked to justify the inclusion of Gabadinho Mhango in the squad that will face Zimbabwe when he will miss the next two 2014 World Cup qualifiers, Ng’onamo said: “With due respect, we are also looking at the future and building team spirit because we should not forget that there are other games ahead including the Cosafa tournament.”