Mtawali to negotiate for Phiri, Ngalande’s early release
Flames coach Ernest Mtawali has said he will negotiate for the early release of midfielder Gerald Phiri Jnr and striker Robin Ngalande in South Africa to join the squad ahead of the back-to-back 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Guinea’s Sylli Nationale in March.
Mtawali, who left for South Africa yesterday to assess the performance of his charges, also said he will also meet seasoned midfielder Robert Ng’ambi, who has not played for the Flames after being reduced to a sideshow in the away Afcon qualifier against Swaziland’s Sihlangu Semnikati.
Mtawali took over: Ng’ambi
“The trip is not just about assessing players. I will have to engage them personally and also talk to their coaches so as to get a glimpse of how they are doing.
“First, I will have to talk to Bidvest Wits and Platinum to consider releasing Gerald and Robin respectively as we kick-start our preparations next month since they are not playing. It would be good to have them earlier so that we work on their fitness and other technical areas,” said Mtawali.
He added: “I will also have a one-on-one talk with Ng’ambi regarding his absence from national duty.
“As a coach, I think I have an obligation to have such sessions with the players to clear any misconceptions that might be there. It has to start with me.”
Mtawali’s first assignment was to assess his captain Limbikani Mzava, whose side took on Wits last night in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match.
“Generally, Mzava has been one of the consistent players in the PSL so far, but it is still important that I watch him and also have a word with his coaches who include Patrick [Mabedi],” he said.
Tomorrow, Mtawali is scheduled to watch Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango when his team Bloemfontein Celtic takes on Kaizer Chiefs.
“Of course, Micium Mhone’s Jomo Cosmos will also be playing against Ajax Cape Town, but at least I have a picture of how he [Mhone] is doing. So, I would rather watch Gabadinho.” n
