Mtawali drops experienced pros in Malawi final squad: ‘Selection based on form not names’
Malawi national football team coach Ernest Mtawali has dropped experienced players including captain Joseph Kamwendo for the Africa Cup of Nations tie against Swaziland on 6 September.
Announcing the squad at Football Association of Malawi’s premises Chiwembe Technical and Development Centre on Friday Mtawali said he had found out that Kamwendo, Harry Nyirenda, Essau Kanyenda lacked game time.
But Mtawali, who appeared at ease and composed, said the he would select players based on their form rather than names.
“I have done my research and consulted on the selection of the players. Joseph Kamwendo has been the leader for the past 10 years but he lacked game time just as Harry Nyirenda,” Mtawali said.
However he assured that the door was still open for the players to return should they prove to be good.
“The door will never be closed for any player. If Esau is going to bang n goals at Polokwane, I will call him back.”
The coach has entrusted the responsibility of putting back the Flames campaign back on course in the youthful players drawn his Under-20 side while he was in charge a year ago.
He said admitted that it would be a tall order for Malawi to win in Swaziland.
“There’s pressure for any game. I talked to Charles Manda who is now coaching in Swaziland who has offered me tips on how they play,” he said.
“With tactical discipline we should come up with a good result.”
Football Association of Malawi (FAM)General Secretary Suzgo Nyirenda, who accompanied Mtawali to the news conference, said the coaches were given the support in preparations for the game.
“We need to win Swaziland and the coaches came up with the squad. I believe they are responsible and we should be able to win in Swaziland,” Nyirenda said.
Meanwhile, Limbikani Mzava has been named captain with Chiukepo Msowoya his vice-captain.
The team is expected to leave on Sunday for South Africa where they will camp for at least five days before leaving for Swaziland for the encounter.
Flames Squad travelling;
Goalkeepers; Richard Chipuwa (Be Forward Wanderers), Brighton Munthali (FISD Wizzards),
Defenders; Limbikani Mzava Mpumalanga Black Aces; Stanly Sanudi (Be Forward Wanderers), Yamikani Fodya (Big Bullets), Wonderful Jeremani (Silver Strikers), John Lanjesi (Civo United), Pilirani Zonda (Big Bullets),
Midfielders; Chimango Kayira (Costal de Sol), Gerald Phiri Jnr (Bidvets Wits) , Micium Mhone (Jomo Cosmos) John Banda (Blue Eagles), Isaac Kaliati (Be Forward Wanderes), Robert Ng’ambi (Platinum Stars), Chikoti Chirwa (Red Lions), Yamikani Chester (Azam Tigers)
Strikers; Chiukepo Msowoya (Big Bullets), Chawanangwa Kaonga (Chibuto FC), Robin Ngalande (Platinum Stars), Manase Chiyesa (Kamuzu Barracks) Muhammed Sulumba (Jomo Cosmos).
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Well done wire
I lyk t
I wonder the coach says he selected the team players based on perfomance now when we look at mhone &sulumba did they match the trip to swaziland since i heard that by the time they went to jomo cosmos they didnt play regularly so how fit are they?
leaving the captain behind is a mistake it is better to bench him.experienced players like kanyenda are also important to the team the same to our assistant coach he has achieved nothing in malawi football but still more electing him just becoz of experience. anyway am waiting for your results have a nice journey
WE INDEED NEED TO GIVE CHANCE TO FRESH BLOOD.NZOSIYIRANA IZI ABALE.UKO NDE TIMATI KUBWERA A NTAWALI.THAT’S ONLY HOW BEST WE CAN DEVELOP AND MANTAIN CONSISTENCY AMALAWI.JUST SELECTION BASING ON PERFORMANCE+FRESH BLOOD NDI 90% KALE,100%’S 4 CHAUTA. LET THE FRESH BLOOD TALENT ALSO GET EXPOSED ANTHUNI.KEEP IP ERNEST & ALL THE BEST.
bravo mtawali!
All de best flames
o de bst coach
Congratulation to the selected squad …go and represent our country good luck ….remember tjthere more than 10 players competing for your your position so work hard.
good idea Mr Mtawali all the best ku Swaziland ko