Flames coach Kallisto Pasuwa has sprung a major surprise in his latest squad for the forthcoming international friendly against Lesotho by handing a first-ever call-up to Ivory Coast–born French striker Kouadio Yann Kouakou.
The 26-year old centre forward, who plays for Gibraltar side Europa Point FC, was born in Treichville, Ivory Coast to a Malawian father and Ivorian mother.
Though he also holds French citizenship, he has opted to represent the Flames.
He joins a growing list of foreign-born players embracing the Malawian flag under Pasuwa, following in the footsteps of Democratic Republic of Congo-born Mayele Malango and Nigerian-born FCB Nyasa Bullets striker Babatunde Adepoju, who also gained citizenship earlier this year.
The Zimbabwean tactician in a an interview said he will continue to cast the net wider.
He said: “We are still calling for more Malawians in the diaspora to come out and get the chance to play for their country.
“We had also called up 20-year-old Luciano Rados from America, whose young brother, Ellie, was part of the under-17, but unfortunately he failed to come because of an injury he sustained last week.”
Meanwhile, football analyst Twaha Chimuka says it doubtful whether the player will bring value to the squad.
He said: “We have not heard much about the player except that he plays in or Gibraltar.
“So, it is technically, hard to say that he is going to add value to the team. Let’s just give him a benefit of doubt.”
Meanwhile, football analyst Twaha Chimuka is doubtful on whether the player will bring value to the squad.
He said: “It’s really surprising especially when you consider the process of identifying and registering these players.
“Currently, we are not looking at performance per say, but at players who can bring competition in the team so that they influence the other players to start performing well.
“Otherwise, we have not heard a lot about the player. So, it is technically hard to say that he is going to add value to the team. Let’s just give him a benefit of doubt.”
The squad has experienced internationals, Jubril Okedina Frank Gabadinho Mhango, Patrick Mwaungulu, Lloyd Aaron, Lloyd Njaliwa, Lanjesi Nkhoma and Charles Petro.
Pasuwa has also recalled Chifundo Mphasi, Robert Saizi, Blessings Singini, Uchizi Vunga and Emmanuel Nyirenda while handing Silver Strikers red-hot striker Andrew Joseph his first call up.
The Flames are set to face Lesotho on November 15 and 18 in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
