Another blow
Flames coach Ronny van Geneugden (RVG) says the absence of his captain Limbikani Mzava ahead of Friday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions is a setback considering the value he adds to the team.
Mzava ruled himself out of the encounter on Sunday, just a day before the team’s departure for Yaounde yesterday citing a recurring knee injury as the reason.
The development comes after two other key South Africa-based players—midfielder Robert Ng’ambi and attacker Gerald Phiri Jnr—also ruled themselves out owing to injuries.
Two other experienced players—Robin Ngalande and Atusaye Nyondo—are also not part of the squad because they are currently unattached.
Said RVG before the team’s departure yesterday: “He is a key member of the team and being the captain, he provides inspiration to the younger players.
“Making the situation even difficult is the timing because Mzava told the team manager [James Sangala] about his unavailability in the afternoon yesterday [Sunday], but I hear he played a full game for his [Premier Soccer League] club Golden Arrows.
“But I guess there is very little we can do about it and we have since replaced him with Yamikani Fodya. We will have to keep faith in the players that are available who have shown a lot of patriotism. There has been good atmosphere and the remaining players are also motivated.”
On his part, Mzava said in the past three games, he has been relying on pain-killing injections to feature for his club.
“I am in pain and it’s getting worse. I cannot keep on relying on injections, I need ample time to fully recover and the coming Fifa break offers me that opportunity.
“I would have really loved to be part of the young hungry squad to face Cameroon, but I just can’t make it. Having said that, I wish the team all the best,” he said from his Durban base.
Mzava’s absence means the Flames have travelled to Cameroon with local-based defenders only.
The Flames are expected to arrive at 1.40pm today and will have their first training session at 4.30pm.
While the Flames will be without a number of key players, the African champions have a full-strength squad which comprises 22 overseas-based players and only one who plays in the local league.
