National Sports

Scouts interested in Flames players

A number of foreign scouts and club officials watched Saturday’s 2014 World Cup Group F qualifier between the Flames and Nigeria at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

While the focus might have been on the visiting team, reports indicate that other South African teams were swayed by the performance of Flames midfielder Joseph ‘Shakira’ Kamwendo and goalkeeper Simplex Nthala.

Former Flames midfield kingpin Ernest Mtawali, who works as a scout for top South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, Paul Mitchell, who manages UK-based Siyavuma Sports Agency, Free State Stars director Motebank Mokoena and a Kaizer Chiefs representative were some of the scouts that came to monitor players.

Local-based agents Felix Sapao and Kondi Msungama also watched the game.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that Sundowns are interested in Kamwendo and Mozambique-based Zicco Mkanda.

Apparently, another South African top league club Bloemfontein Celtic is also reported to be interested in Mkanda.

However, Mtawali refused to comment on his club’s interest in the two players.

“I came here on duty just as I did in Nairobi last weekend. It would be premature to start discussing names in the press at the moment as I am guided by my employers’ code of conduct.

“However, I should confirm that Joseph and Simplex impressed me in both games [against Kenya and Nigeria].

“Joseph orchestrated play with magisterial authority and he was always on top of things alongside Davie Banda in midfield. Simplex was also alert between the posts, but we were awful upfront. That was my personal assessment,” said Mtawali.

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