Mzava ruled out of Tanzania friendly

Flames captain Limbikani Mzava has been ruled out of next weekend’s international friendly match against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars due to a knee injury.

Flames team manager James Sangala confirmed the setback yesterday when he announced the names of foreign-based players for the match.

“Apart from the captain [Mzava], the coach has maintained the other eight professionals who travelled to Morocco recently for camp training.

“Mzava has been advised to rest as a precaution by his team Golden Arrows doctor,” he said.

Mzava, who of late has been spotted wearing a bandage on his right knee during Arrows’ games, also said in an interview he will not be available.

“Although I am playing, I am experiencing some pain in my knee.

“In fact, I have been doing light training since last week although I featured against Kaizer Chiefs. I will also play against Chippa in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match here in Durban

“But the doctor has advised me to rest for two full weeks after the match,” he said.

Mzava’s team tops the PSL with 12 points from six matches.

The eight foreign based players called for the match are goalkeeper Charles Swini, midfielders Robert Ng’ambi, Gerald Phiri Jnr, Dalitso Sailesi, Frank and John Banda, strikers Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango and Richard Mbulu.

Meanwhile, coach Ronny van Geneugden has also drafted in Dwangwa United goalkeeper Charles Thom as a replacement for Ernest Kakhobwe. n