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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