Malawi approves U-20 for Cosafa tournament
The Malawi government has finally approved that the Under 20 national soccer team should travel to Botswana to participate at this year’s COSAFA Metropolitan tournament from 1 to 10 December.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) submitted budgets for the senior team’s participation at the Cecafa senior challenge cup in Tanzania and the Under 20’s trip to Botswana.
FAM’s chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda says government has thus far approved only the Under 20’s trip and will fund it.
“We are happy that government has approved the trip in light of the foreign travel ban and the team will go straight into camp this Sundayto prepare for the showpiece in Botswana,” he said.
Nyirenda however says government is yet to come back to them on the Flames participation in the Cecafa tournament.
“The invitation came too late but we are still keeping our fingers crossed, but for now the Under 20 has been cleared to go, ” Nyirenda said.
The Under 20 goes into camp with coach John Kaputa being assisted by Azam Tigers mentor Leo Mpulula while Trevor Kajawa returns as Team manager.
Malawi has been drawn in Group B with the Seychelles and Lesotho in the only group that consists of three countries. Two winners from each group will automatically qualify for the semi-finals of the competition.
Full squad is as follows;
Goalkeepers: Chimwemwe Kasambala, Cuthbert Seengwa and Nenani Juwaya
Defenders: Andrew Banda, Stanley Sanudi, Vivien Damalekani, Bonda Mpinganjira, Pilirani Zonda, Peter Mselema, Francis Mulimbika, Kondwani Lufeyo.
Midfielders: Yamikani Chester, Willie Saenda, Jimmy Chikulekule, Henry Kamunga, Patience Kalumo, Mike Kaziputa and Gastin Simukonda.
Strikers: Isaac Maluwa, Victor Mpinganjira, Brown Mizeyi, Maxwell Mwanyongo, Tony Chitsulo
Juma Wilson
