Flames in 18th attempt
The Flames face a stern test this evening when they take on Mauritius’ Les Dodos in Cosafa Cup Group B tie at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa as they set out on their 18th attempt to win the regional tourney.
Interestingly, the two teams have been in the same group for the past two editions of the regional competition.
In 2016 Malawi got the better of Mauritius 1-0 in the group stages and played out a goalless draw last year.
But beaming with confidence, newly-appointed vice-captain John ‘CJ’ Banda says the team is looking for nothing short of a victory as the Flames aim at breaking the jinx of getting booted out in group stages.
The Ferroviario de Nampula midfielder said: “We are fully prepared. We know we have not given Malawians what they deserve. This is now the time. Our target is to reach the finals and we are ready.”
Coach Ronny van Geneugden (RVG) is also confident that his charges can pull a surprise this time around.
“We cannot wait to play the game. I think the team is ready tactically, physically and also mentally. If you look at the atmosphere, you will see that everyone if looking forward to the tournament where we want to start with a good result because the first game is always important,” he said.
But despite the coach’s confidence and enthusiasm, Malawians remain in doubt because of his team’s coyness in front of goal.
The Flames failed to score a goal in the last edition of the competition.
The fact that Malawi has not lost in a year, is no consolation considering that the Flames have also not won but only had draws during that period.
RVG said he has been trying several attacking options to solve the problem.
He seems to have found a solution in Portugal-based Richard Mbulu, Gastin Simkonda, Robin Ngalande and Patrick Phiri who will compete for the two places upfront.
“I think we have the best attacking force. I saw in the training sessions in the past two weeks that they have hunger when in front of goal and that gives me confidence,” said RVG.
But the coach should be rest assured that Mauritius will not be a pushover.
Their Brazilian coach Francisco Filho is also almost in the same predicament as RVG.
“The players are motivated by a desire to break out of this impasse of more disappointments than victories. We cannot say for sure, but we will do our best,” said Filho.
Though the coach who worked with Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United respects Malawi, he is also adamant that they are not afraid of the Flames .
“Malawi is very organised and this is our first opponent. It will be a difficult match for us but I would add that it will be difficult for them too. We will do our best there,” he said.
