Malawi football legends say they will be out to evoke memories of the good old days when they face their Zambian counterparts in an international friendly at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe this afternoon.
Thirty-seven Malawian legends, including South Africa-based former midfield maestro Ernest ‘Wire’ Mtawali, are available for selection.
In an interview, Malawi legends assistant coach Peterkins ‘Beirut’ Kayira said they are prepared to avenge the 2-1 defeat they suffered in October last year in Chipata, Zambia.
He said: “This is not just another friendly. To us, it is a competitive match and our aim is not just to entertain the fans, but also to win at all cost.
“We want to take the fans down memory lane and give them a glimpse of how it used to be in the old days.”
Kayira said most of the players will get a run.
On his part, Mtawali, who played in French and Argentine top-flights in the mid to late 1990s, urged the fans to come and cheer the Malawi legends.
He said: “People should expect a good treat, I urge them to come and they won’t be disappointed.
“Matches between Malawi and Zambia are always intense at any level and this one won’t be different.”
Those trademark dreadlocks have dispersed, a tell-tale reminder of ripening age, but it’s unmistakably ‘Wire’.
On whether people should expect the short busts, swift turns and pin-point passes, Mtawali said: “The pace and physical strength are not as it used to be, but the skill and the drive are still there. So, yes, bring on the Zambian legends.”
The Malawi legends will likely be dominated by those that played at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Angola like Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda, Joseph Kamwendo, Robert ‘Baggio’ Ng’ambi, James Sangala, Jimmy Zakazaka, Moses Chavula, Elvis Kafoteka, Simplex Nthala, Chiukepo Msowoya, Victor Nyirenda and Russell Mwafulirwa.
Others are Fischer Kondowe, Gift Zakazaka, Andrew ‘Aluki’ Chikhosi, McDonald Yobe, Sibusiso Padambo, Simeon Kapuza and Mapopa Musukwa.
Those that starred between the 1980s and 90s include Mtawali, Lawrence ‘Lule’ Waya, Kingsly Maulidi, Mabvuto ‘Tigana’ Lungu and Cedric Nankhumwa.
The 19-member Zambian squad, which arrived on Thursday evening, will be led by some members of their 2012 Afcon winning squad.
They include Felix Katongo, Chintu Kampamba, Kalililo Kakonje and James Chamanga. Others are Olive Hachilensa, Ignatious Lwipa, Kennedy Nkethani and Billy Mwanza.
The team is being coached by former Chipolopolo gaffer Patrick Phiri.
Meanwhile, the Football Legends Association (FLA) has said the event will be spiced up by other activities such as vehicle pulling, acrobatics and parading of the legends.
FLA chairperson Jim Kalua said Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire is expected to be the guest of honour.
