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Preparing to fail

 

Despite Malawi Under-20 facing an uphill task against South Africa in their last CAF Under-20 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier next month, the Junior Flames are yet to start preparations.

Malawi face South Africa’s Amajita on July 19 in the first leg of the two-legged qualifier.

Amajita, who are already in camp, have stepped up their preparations, including putting their players on special diet and playing some friendly matches, according www.soccerladuma.co.za.

Malawi Under-20 (in red) battilng it out against Swaziland in first round

But despite being just a step away from reaching the promised land following a surprise 5-3 aggregate win against Angola in the penultimate qualifier last month, Malawi Under-20 players are in their homes.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu said they will start preparations next month.

“This is work in progress. We will advise our plans by month end,” he said.

The team’s funding for the crucial tie is also in limbo.

Recently, FAM said they are banking on the financial support from the government to prepare the Junior Flames.

Though Minister of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development Francis Kasaila assured that government would assist, the ministry’s spokesperson Christina Mkutumula could not commit on the government’s help.

“The Minister is currently in Geneva and I was talking to the sports director [Jameson Ndalama], who said he was also not briefed on what was agreed. Therefore, we just have to wait for the Minister’s return home on Monday to know the way forward,” she said.

Under-20 team coach Meke Mwase yesterday said he is hopeful they would at least play a friendly match before taking on South Africa.

With the senior national team struggling all the time, the Under-20 is the only hope for Malawi.

Malawi beat Swaziland and Angola to qualify for the Under-20 Afcon last round.

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