Tanzania names 5 pros for Malawi friendly
Tanzania national football team coach Shabani Mayanga has named a strong squad comprising five foreign-based players for the friendly against Malawi this Saturday at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The coach has called in his 22-player squad Belgium-based captain Mbwana Ally Samatta (KRC Genk), Abdi Banda (Baroka FC, South Africa), Hamis Abdallah (Sony Sugar, Kenya), Abdul Hilal (Tusker, Kenya) and Portugal-based striker Morel Orgenes.
While Tanzania regroups today, Malawi went into camp last week for the match.
Local players in Flames camp were released for TNM Super League matches and they are expected to return to camp today.
The Flames coach Ronny van Geneugden (RVG) has maintained eight foreign-based players which he called for Morocco training camp.
Apart from injured captain Limbikani Mzava who is ruled out, foreign based players called for the match are goalkeeper Charles Swini, midfielders Robert Ng’ambi, Gerald Phiri Jnr, Dalitso Sailesi, Frank and John Banda, strikers Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango and Richard Mbulu.
“Gaba, Phiri, Mbulu, Sailesi and John Banda are expected to arrive today while Ng’ambi Swini and Frank Banda jet in tomorrow. The team is expected to leave for Tanzania on Thursday,” team manager James Sangala said.
Malawi last played Tanzania in June at the Council for Southern Africa Football Association (Cosafa) Cup, losing 2-0 in group stages.
The friendly match will be played during Fifa week for international matches expected to start today until Wednesday, October 11.
RVG wants to use the match as he tries to build a team that will face Morocco in African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier in March next year.
So far, the coach has blended experienced players with up-and-coming players.
He has included even Under-17 players such as 2016 Cosafa Youth Championship golden boot award winner Peter Banda, who plays for FMB Under-20 League side Griffin Young Stars.
The coach has backed his decision, saying it does not matter whether a player is in lower division or youth development league. n
