Kinnah names 20-man Malawi squad for Kenya trip

Malawi national team, the Flames, coach  Kinnah Phiri has released his 20-man squad scheduled to leave for Tanzania on Thursday, May 24 before proceeding to Kenya for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Harambe Stars at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The Flames will play two friendly matches in Tanzania to prepare for the Kenya’s crucial match.

In his squad, Phiri has drafted in ten locally based players the other ten being foreign legion.

Silver Striker goalkeeper Amadu Ali, Steven Chagoma and Mozambique based Zicco Mkanda re the surprise names to make the cut.

Some of the locally based players, who have made it into the final squad are Mighty Wanderers trio  of Foster Namwera, Joseph Kamwendo  and goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa.

Flames goalkeepers trainer at work with men who man the posts.

Ali was considered at the eleventh hour replacing Escom United goalkeeper Charles Swini, who is nursing an injury. Ndaziona Chatsalira, Chimango Kayira, Steven Chagoma, John Banda, Frank Banda and Pilirani Makupe are some of the players in the squad.

On the foreign-based players, Phiri has taken on board South African based Moses Chavula, Dave Banda, Atusaye Nyondo, Simplex Nthara, Limbikani Mzava, James Sangala, Jimmy Zakazaka, Russell Mwafulirwa, Spanish based Robin Ngalande and Zicco Mkanda.

Some notable names missing on the list are Peter Mponda and Tawonga Chimodzi, will remain with their South African club Santos, who are battling relegation from the top flight.

Crocked defender  Harry Nyirenda and Denmark based Esau Kanyenda, who is yet to settle at his new club are two other high-profile names to miss out.

However, it is reported that Robert Ng’ambi and Chiukepo Msowoya, do not make the line-up because by Wednesday   they were not yet in camp to join their colleagues.

Flames coach was optimistic that they will do well Kenya.

“My players are geared for this match and our plea to Malawians is to keep us in prayers. We also need their support because they are our inspiration,” Phiri told Nyasa Times.

“I have all the confidence that they will pull off a surprise in Kenya,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kenya head coach, Francis Kimanzi, has said he would only unveil his team 48 hours prior to the match.

“This is a new way of doing things that we have chosen and it is all for the good of the team,” Kimanzi said according to The Standard of Kenya

The Flames will play Kenya on June 2 in Nairobi before facing the Super Eagles of Nigeria on June 9 at the giant Kamuzu Stadium.

A week later after tussling with Nigeria, the Flames will have a must win game against Chad in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.

The squad:
Goalkeepers:  Simplex Nthala, Richard Chipuwa and Amadu Ali

Defenders: Moses Chavula, James Sangala, Limbikani Mzava,  Foster Namwela,  Pirira Makupe, Steve Chagoma, Chimango Kayira.

Midfielders:  Joseph Kamwendo,   Davie Banda, Ndaziona Chatsalira,  Frank Banda,  John Banda

Strikers:  Robin Ngalande,  Atusayi Nyondo, Zicco Mkanda,  Russell Mwafulirwa and  Jimmy Zakazaka

Head coach Kinna Phiri, assistant coach  Young Chimodzi, team doctor  Matthews Mangondo, and team manager Stewart Mbolembole.  Other technical staff  Mc Hodges Chunga,  James Mwenda and Christopher Modulo.

 

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