Flames displayed too much respect for Bafana—legends

Some legends have said the Flames were guilty of showing respect to South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the early stages of their international friendly match on Saturday.

The Flames lost the game 3-1 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, but former midfielders John Maduka and Ernest ‘Wire’ Mtawali felt Malawi appeared to be afraid of their hosts in the first half.

However, despite the loss, both Maduka and Mtawali on Sunday hailed the Flames character.

They said although the Flames started on a low note, they picked up in the second-half, in which they displayed a lot of determination and character.

The South Africa-based legends said the Flames showed a lot of promise and have a good blend of experienced and up-and-coming players.

Said Maduka: “The boys started on a low note, particularly in the opening stages.

“They showed their hosts too much respect and defended too deep, but once they settled down, they played a good game and I was very impressed.”

He cited defenders Harry Nyirenda and Steve Chagoma, midfielders Joseph Kamwendo, Dave Banda and Robert Ng’ambi as having been outstanding.

Mtawali, echoed Maduka’s views saying the Flames appeared out of sorts in the opening stag, but picked up as the game progressed.

He also mentioned right-back Chagoma, Kamwendo, Banda and Gabadinho as having had a grand game.

“If Gabadinho can keep his cool, he has a bright future and then Chagoma was very solid as a right back that even Doctor spoke highly of him,” he said

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu also said the Flames lost the plot in the first-half, when they gave away early goals.

“We had flashes of brilliance in the second-half, but it was just too late to make an impact,” said Nyamilandu.

This was the Flames seventh defeat of the year in 14 games.

Earlier on, Maduka and Mtawali were part of the African Legends side that lost to South Africa’s legends 3-1. The other Malawians that featured were Patrick ‘General’ Mabedi and ‘Senator’ Kennedy Malunga.

Jerry ‘Legs of Thunder’ Sikhosana and Helman ‘Midnight Express’ Mkhalele turned on the game for SA legends. The others that featured included Fani Madida, David Nyathi, Khumalo, Thabo Mooki, Shakes Kungwane, Mark Fish and Gvain Lane.