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Malawian defender attracts Mambas coach

Walesi joined on free transfer from Wanderers early this year: Walesi (C)
Walesi joined on free transfer from Wanderers early this year: Walesi (C)

Former Mighty Wanderers defender Idrissa Walesi’s Mozambique league exploits with Desportivo de Nacala reportedly attracted, in vain, the attention of the Mambas coach Joao Chissano who thought the Malawian was Mozambican.

“My coach [Arkil Maserino] left me in stitches when he told me that he got a call from Mozambique national team coach asking about me. We just laughed it over,” Walesi said in an interview from Maputo on Wednesday.

In a separate telephone interview on Wednesday, Maserino claimed that he was unaware of the issue, but praised Walesi as the best centre back for his ninth-placed team. Weekend Nation could not reach the Mambas coach.

“He plays in every match. I really like him. He is very strong. I do not know why he does not play for your national team. Maybe it is due to his age,” explained Maserino, who also rates highly Simplex Nthala and Zicco Mkanda.

“I am just now very worried that Fifa are, through the Mozambique Football Association, pressing for his [Walesi] last contract copy [with Wanderers] indicating when it started and ended, otherwise he might return to Malawi. He has until October 20 to do this.”

Walesi joined on free transfer from Wanderers early this year after many years at the Lali Lubani Road and Escom United where he was usually featured as a holding midfielder.

Goalkeeper Nthala, who was dropped after the Flames’ 4-1 loss to Zimbabwe in a warm up match in March, insists he has something to offer to his country.

Other sidelined players include Zimbabwe-based players Ishmael Thindwa, Gerald Phiri Junior for Caps United, Zimbabwe.

—Follow us on twitter @MalawiNation

 

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