Women’s football team players not fit—coach
Malawi national women’s football team coach Abel Mkandawire has observed that the squad he named on Saturday lacks physical fitness, hinting that his priority would be to improve their endurance.
The new coach penciled 25 players for the team camping ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games qualifier against Mozambique. The first leg is on April 4 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The players were selected during a day-long tournament involving regional select sides at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Announcing the squad, Mkandawire said: “The women leagues are off-season. As a result, the fitness levels of the players have dropped significantly. Improving their fitness will be my key priority.”
The coach was optimistic that Malawi will beat Mozambique, saying the squad he has selected has a combination of all the qualities needed.
“I am contented with the players we have put together. We have skilled and strong players. I am sure we will succeed with this team,” he said.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) technical director John Kaputa challenged the selected players to fight for the nation.
“We want the players to show commitment and prove that they deserved their places,” he said.
The squad will go into camp today and are expected to be joined by Chinese-based star Tabitha Chawinga and her sister Temwa, who plies her trade in Sweden.
The Chawinga sisters last played for the national team in 2017 during the Council for Southern Africa Football Associations Women’s championships.
The following is the full squad: Goalkeepers: Samil Amidu, Mercy Sikelo, Martha Banda, Ruth Mhango; Defenders: Fatsireni Kazembe, Sylvia Phiri, Moreen Phiri, Ruth Nyirongo Chimwemwe Madise, Emily Jossam, Towera Vinkhumbo, Patricia Nyirenda; Midfielders: Chikondi Gondwe, Madyina Ngulube, Fanny Mwale, Chimwemwe Bonongwe, Bridget Nkuzilire, Asimenye Simwawa, Wezzie Mvula, Zainabu Kapanda; Strikers: Loveness Nyakamera, Mary Chavinda, Linda Kasenda and Enelescio Mhango.
