U-17 squad trials Saturday

Cosafa Under-17 Youth Championship national team players’ selection mini-tournament, which failed to take place last week, is now set for this weekend.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) competitions and media director Gomezgani Zakazaka said in a statement that four regional select sides, which were assembled following regional trials two weeks ago, will converge at the Mpira Village in Blantyre for a two-day inter-regional competition.

“Under-17 national team coach DeKlerk Msakakuwona and his backroom staff will be in charge of the selection process at the two day tournament. He is expected to select a 40 man squad for residential camping,” reads the statement signed by Zakazaka.

He said the mini-tournament, which was supposed to take place last weekend, was shifted to give the under-17 players ample time to finish their end of year examinations.

FAM technical director John Kaputa said each regional select team will have 20 players.

Malawi Schools Sports Association (Massa) chairperson Blackson Malamuala said they have contributed players for the trials.

“We have been part of the programme. We already have a team that we formed as Massa to represent us in the regional selection tournaments and these players now have a chance to prove themselves and represent the nation,” he said.

Malawi will host the regional tournament from September 26 to October 5 at Chiwembe Technical Centre and Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.