Malawi coach backs new blood
Malawi national team coach Kinnah Phiri has put faith in his young players in the squad to face Chad on Wednesday away for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals to be held in South Africa.
The Flames have been hit by injury worries with key players missing ther trip to Chad. They include captain Peter Mponda, defender Harry Nyirenda and midfielder Robert Ng’ambi.
Others missing are Elvis Kafoteka and striker Russel Mwafulirwa, who has not been playing since leaving Sweden for South Africa.
Kinnah told Nyasa Timesthat the young players need international experience early and asked Malawians to put faith in them.
“I have belief in these young boys. They have done a good job preparing for this game,” he said.
When asked whether his youthful charges were capable of pulling a victory without the big names, Kinnah said he was optimistic they will get the job done.
“Yes I have that belief they can get the job done,” he said, adding “this is not the first time to have a lot of young players in the squad. At the CECAFA tournament we also had a lot of young players who were able to win games, why not this time.”
He said the Flames need new blood transfusion as several elder statesmen in the squad were heading to retirement.
“The young boys have bright future ahead of them and can be part of a successful future in the Flames,” he said.
Malawi also face 2014 World Cup qualifiers later this year.
They are in qualifying Group F for the global showpiece and will take on Nigeria, Kenya and Namibia from June this year.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Charles Swini (Escom United), Simplex Nthara .
Defenders: James Sangala (Primeiro de Agosto), Moses Chavula (AmaZulu, SA), Foster Namwera (Mighty Wanderers), Pilirani Makupe (Civo), Steve Chagoma (Blue Eagles), Limbikani Mzava (Bloemfontein Celtic, SA).
Midfield: Joseph Kamwendo (Might Wanderers), -Frank Banda (Silver Striker), Ndaziona Chatsalira (Escom), Chimango Kaira (Escom), John Banda (Blue Eagles), Davie Banda (Black Leopards, SA), Taonga Chimodzi (Santos, SA) .
Strikers: , Chiukepo Msowoya(Platinum, SA), Robin Ngalande (At. Madrid, Spain), Atusaye Nyondo (Supersport, SA), Ishmael Thindwa (Epac), Peter Wadabwa(Thanda Royal Zulu)
Coach: Kinnah Phiri
Assistant Coach: Young Chimodzi
