Malawi names final squad for Namibia: Kamwendo urges vocal support
Malawi national team technical panel has released a 22- final squad for Wednesdays World Cup qualifiers encounter against Namibia.
Announcing the final squad after Tuesday’s morning training session at Kamuzu Stadium to reporters, Flames head coach Edington Ng’onamo said Owen Chaima and Charles Swini will be goalkeerper while Moses Chavula, Harry Nyirenda, James Sangala, Limbikani Mzava, Bongani Kaipa and Lucky Malata are the defenders picked.
On the middle of the park, the coaches have picked Robert Ngambi, Joseph Kamwendo, Fischer Kondowe, Frank Banda, Chimango Kayira, Mecium Mhone, Chimodzi Junior, Dave Banda and Douglas Chirambo.
Strikers are Esau Kanyenda, Robin Ngalande, Atusaye Nyondo, Gastin Simkonda and Chiukepo Msowoya.
The coach told reporters the game is “a must win” because any victory means they will move upwards from five to eight points.
“We have told the boys to fight for the entire 90 minutes. We have also told them to make the nation smile and from my assessment the boys are geared for the battle,” said Ng’onamo.
Flames captain, Joseph Kamwendo, urged Malawians to rally behind the team for the entire game.
“We are ready to die for the nation t and with the home crowd behind us nothing will stop us from making them smile at the end of the game,” said Kamwendo, beaming with confidence.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Chief Executive Officer Sugzo Nyirenda clarified on the failure arrival of Angolan based defender James Sangala, who was supposed to jet-in yesterday (Monday).
Nyirenda said Sangala will arrival on the actual date of the game at exactly 2, oclock via Chileka Airport.
“As we are talking to you right now he has departed Angola for South Africa. He will spend a night in Johannesburg today before connecting home tomorrow,” said Nyirenda.
On his level of fitness, Flames assistant coach Patrick Mabedi chipped in stating that there is no need to press the panic button as he has been active with Angola leage in full swing.
FAM’s Chief Executive Officer assured all the spectators who will throng Kamuzu Stadium that they will be tight security as they have hired 500 police men and 170 Stewarts to keep order.
Gomezgani Zakazaka, FAM Competitions Manager , explained the background of Namibia vs Malawi previous meetings in the country.
For instance, Zakazaka said Malawi has never won any home encounter against the Brave Warriors.
In 1998, Nambia beat Malawi in the qualifiers match before another defeat in the Cosafa Cup in 1999.
“In 2006 they also beat us in the Independence Day in Mzuzu 2-1 but this time around they should forget it because we are geared to burn them,” said Zakazaka.
Meanwhile, Namibia full squad has arrived ahead of the crucial 2nd leg CAF Group-F 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Malawi tomorrow.
The Brave Warriors lost 1-0 to Malawi at home in March.
