Yona pleads for Flames support
Malawi national football team supporters committee chairperson Yona Malunga has urged the soccer fraternity not to abandon the Flames ahead of their dead rubber 2017 Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifier against Swaziland’s Sihlangu on Sunday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The Flames are winless in this campaign going into their last Group L fixture. They anchor the group with two points from six games.
“It is quite understandable that after disappointing results, people appear not to be interested in their team and it is all quiet as if we are not hosting an international match. There is no hype whatsoever.
“Although the match will be a formality for us, we can still salvage a little pride by winning our last game. We should also remember that a win could help the team rise on Fifa rankings.
“So, I am urging my fellow supporters to go to the stadium and cheer our team. A win could provide us some solace in a rather hopeless campaign,” he said.
The flamboyant self-proclaimed Flames chief supporter, said he has already started mobilising members of his committee to give the Flames moral support.
“Moti nkanjo wanga, akazanga asita kale, ng’omanso ndapuputa kale. Anyamata akufunika molalo [my wife has already ironed my gown and I have already prepared my drum. Our boys need the moral support],” said Malunga.
Flames captain Limbikani ‘Pupa’ Mzava yesterday said he was aware that Malawians have lost confidence in their team.
“It is understandable because our performance in the recent past has left a lot to be desired, but Sunday’s match provides us an opportunity to start the process of winning back their confidence.
“Malawians are not happy with the performance of their team and you cannot blame them. It is now up to us [players] to give out our best on Sunday and I have all the hope that we will win,” he said.
Swaziland, who are second in the group with eight points from five games, still have a chance to qualify if they can beat the Flames.
Zimbabwe’s Warriors top the group with 11 points while Guinea’s Syli Nationale are third with five points.
