The Flames will today fly out to Francistown Botswana for the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament set for March 28 to 31.
Apart from the hosts and the Malawi National Football Team, the other teams are Zimbabwe’s Warriors and Zambia’s Chipolopolo.
The Flames squad, comprising 15 foreign-based players and nine local players, will leave via Bakili Muluzi International Airport in Blantyre.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) operations director Gomezgani Zakazaka said in an interview yesterday that USA-based Mayele Malango was the last foreign-based player to join the squad at Mpira Village in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre ,yesterday.
“All the players called for camp reported in Blantyre. Romania-based Botosani defender Charles Petro is the only player who will fly directly to Botswana,” he said.
In an interview, Flames head coach Kallisto Pasuwa, who has named a blend of foreign-based players, experienced locals and rookies, said they are going to the tournament to win and also to try out new combinations as part of team rebuilding process.
He said: “Yes, we have been building up a team. We thought this is also a chance to look in all departments to see if we are strong enough to challenge the other teams.”
Zambia assistant coach Osward Mutapa will be in charge of a second string side of local players as the senior team heads to Argentina for a friendly against the reigning world champions under head coach George Lwandamina.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe coach Mario Marinica, on the other hand, has assembled a near full-strength side, with only a few injury absentees.
The Romanian and former Flames coach, who led the Warriors to the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), told Zimbabwe’s Soccer24 that the tournament will give new players a platform to shine.
He said: “These two games are going to be extremely competitive. We did not have much time with the players. Technically, we only had at least two training sessions with all the players.
“But we still want a gel of experience and a blend of youth and enthusiasm. We want to give new players an opportunity to shine and show that they can be a backbone of future Warriors.”
Botswana coach Morena Ramoreboli has also selected a 26-man squad drawn from the domestic league.
Malawi and Zambia will clash in the opener this Saturday before Botswana and Zimbabwe tussle in the other semi-final later on.
