Pros contradict Flames captain on Cosafa

Some Flames’ foreign-based players want to be considered for the Cosafa Cup despite a recent suggestion by their captain Limbikani Mzava that only local-based players should be called up for the tournament.

This year’s regional tournament will be held in South Africa next month.

Team manager James Sangala confirmed having been contacted by “several” Flames foreign-based players asking to be considered for the tournament.

He said Portugal-based Richard Mbulu, Baroka FC striker Robin Ngalande, Zambia-based Dalitso Sailesi and Mozambique-based duo of John ‘CJ’ Banda and Chawanangwa Kaonga have all indicted they will be available.

“CJ said he will personally speak with his officials to ask for his release and that we have to write them officially. Mbulu, who just arrived yesterday, also wants to be part of Cosafa, so too Ngalande and Sailesi.

“As for Chawanangwa, it depends on his club. But for Frank Banda and Charles Swini it won’t be possible since they will be playing in Confederations Cup. So far, only Mzava has indicated he won’t make it because of his sister’s wedding.”

Last year, Flames coach Ronny van Geneugden (RVG) wanted to take foreign-based players to Cosafa Cup, but the plan flopped after their clubs refused to release them.

This year the coach has indicated that he would like to take a strong squad to the regional tournament, but that it will depend on the availability of the players.

“But personally, I think the Cosafa Cup is good even for the foreign-based players. I also need to balance between Super League clubs and foreign-based players as we are not just developing a team, but also preparing for the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.”

Malawi face Morocco and Cameroon in 2019 Group B Afcon qualifiers in September. n