Following an exodus of players to other teams, Zomba United FC have decided to regroup using most of Chanco players in preparation for their Presidential Cup fixture against Embangweni.
The team, which was relegated from last season’s TNM Super League, faced race against time to find players for the game. They started training at Chirunga ground last Monday.
According to the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) competitions manager Casper Jangale, Presidential Cup games will take place after the Flames engagement against Chad this weekend.
Chanco of the Southern Region Football League (SRFL) have for the second year running failed to participate in Presidential Initiative on Sports (PIS) games due to pressure on their academic calendar.
Zomba United chairperson Jameson Ndawala said last Wednesday his side has decided to use players that have not featured in Presidential Cup games.
“I can confirm that we regrouped and started training on Monday. We have a team that excludes all the players who have played in the Presidential Cup at any stage this year. We are also inviting new players to join us,†said Ndawala.
Chanco’s director of sports Mandy Chisaka confirmed being approached by Zomba United officials.
“You reporters, where have you got wind of the news from? It is true we are training for Zomba United since our team has not at any level registered in Presidential Cup competition. We find this development as normal,†he said.
United has since lost captain Wado Ching’oma (Blantyre United), Yamikani Kachali, Innocent Phiri and Manasseh Chiyesa (Escom United), Lackson Shaba (Azam Tigers) and Chisomo Makwale (Red Lions). Other players such as Stanley Mhango, Steven Paundi, Limbani Mussa, Alick Kaomba and Ndaona Limbani have opted to play for non-league Zomba District PIS champions Complex Madrid.
