Football Association of Malawi (FAM) is planning to send its general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda to South Africa to plead with teams to consider releasing Flames players for next weekend’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations’ final preliminary round return leg against Benin.
FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said the development follows failure to negotiate for the release of Bloemfontein Celtic duo Limbikani Mzava and Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango for the first leg played in Benin on Sunday which the Flames lost 1-0.
“All our efforts to seek the players’ release, including my intervention to seek Celtic’s director (Jimmy Aogusti) proved futile and we anticipate even a tougher stand from the clubs, especially those that are preparing for the MTN8.
“It has, therefore, been agreed that we should send the GS to meet the South African clubs’ management on Wednesday since the return leg date (August 2) does also not fall on Fifa calendar and they could stick to their guns,” said Nyamilandu.
Nyamilandu also said they are hoping to seek the release of experienced midfielder Robert Ng’ambi who has reportedly returned from injury.
“Ng’ambi played for 45 minutes for his club [Paltinum Stars] at the weekend in a pre-season match. We are hoping to negotiate for his release as well,” said Nyamilandu.
He believes the Flames can overturn the tables with a full-strength squad.
“If we were able to perform the way we did with a make-shift side without four to five key players away, then I am optimistic we can get a result here,” he said.
Apart from Mzava, Mhango and Ng’ambi, the other South Africa-based players are Atusaye Nyondo, Robin Ngalande, Esau Kanyenda and Harry Nyirenda. From the list, only Ngalande and Nyirenda travelled to Cotonou.
