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Fam calls up local squad ahead of Swaziland game

The Malawi national football team, Flames are expected to regroup over the weekend and start training on Monday at the Chiweme Technical Centre in Blantyre ahead of the 2017 AFCON Group I qualifiers against Swaziland on 6th September 2015 at Lobamba Stadium in Swaziland.

Fodya: One of the players called
Fodya: One of the players called

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has called into camp 22 local based players, who will later be joined by foreign based players.
Goalkeepers are Richard Chipuwa, Brighton Munthali and Juma Chikwenja.
Sankhani Mkandawire, Pilirani Zonda, Yamikani Fodya, John Lanjesi, Stanley Sanudi, Lucky Malata, Chisomo Mpachika and Emmanuel Zoya will battle for places in defense.
Midfielders are Chikoti Chirwa, Fischer Kondowe, Dalitso Sailesi, Isaac Kaliati, Yamikani Chester, Jafali Chande and John Banda while Chiukepo Msowoya, Kelvin Hang’anda, Green Harawa aand Manase Chiesa have been called as strikers.
The Flames started their 2017 Afcon campaign with a frustrating 1-2 loss to Zimbabwe’s Warriors at Kamuzu Stadium on June 13 this year.
The result saw Coach Young Chimodzi and his assistant Jack Chamangwana getting the boot on June 14, and Fam made Ernest Mtawali caretaker coach the following day.
Mtawali took charge of a Flames side that won 1-0 against Uganda during Malawi’s 51st Independence celebrations on July 6 at Kamuzu Stadium.
He was then made permanent coach on August 1 after successful interviews. Fam also named Nswazurimo Rhamadan as assistant coach.
The game against the Sihlangu Semnikati of Swaziland presents the Flames an opportunity to redeem themselves, and it will test Mtawali’s resolve in managing the team during competitive games.
Recently, Fam president Walter Nyamilandu said the Flames technical panel should be able to achieve success within the one year they have been given to be in charge.
“We are not saying they must win every match that comes their way, but, at least, they should not stoop so low as to lose to sides that are ranked below the Flames. It will be understandable to lose by small margins to giant outfits. But, overall, defeats will not be desirable results,” he said.
The FAM boss said the contracts will be renewed based on what the coaches are going to achieve within the year.
Flames are on position 98 while the Sihlangu occupy position 132 on World Fifa ranking.

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