Four new faces in Flames squad
Flames coach Ernest Mtawali has included four new faces in his initial 26-member squad which is expected to go into camp today in preparation for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Group L qualifier against Swaziland’s Sihlangu away in Mbabane on September 6.
The notable new faces are goalkeeper Juma Chikwenga (Moyale Barracks), defenders Boston Kabango (Epac FC) and Chisomo Mpachika (Dedza Young Soccer) and midfielder Lloyd Njaliwa (Moyale Barracks).
Mtawali has also included five players who were in his Under-20 squad which failed to qualify for the CAF Africa Youth Championship at the last hurdle.
These are goalkeeper Brightone Munthali, defenders Kabango and Stanely Sanudi, and midfielders Isaac Kaliyati and Dalitso Sailesi.
Big Bullets have contributed the highest number of players—seven.
Conspicuously missing in the squad is Moyale Barracks goalkeeper McDonald Harawa.
Returning to the squad are defenders Pilirani Zonda and Emmanuel Zoya while Jaffalie Chande, Manase Chiyesa, Kelvin Hanganda and Innocent Bokosi, who are on-and-off faces, have also been recalled.
Some players, such as Be Forward Wanderers duo—Francis Mlimbika and Rafiq Mussa—have been left out due to injuries.
“These were some of the players that were being considered, unfortunately they are out with injuries.
“From the 26 local players, we will choose the cream that will be joined by foreign-based players,” said Mtawali.
The following is the full squad: Goalkeepers: Richard Chipuwa, Chikwenga and Munthali; Defenders: Sanudi, Zonda, Yamikani Fodya, Sankhani Mkandawire, Zoya, Mpachika, Kabango, John Lanjesi and Lucky Malata; Midfielders: Chikoti Chirwa, Phillip Masiye, Yamikani Chester, Sailesi, Kaliyati, Njaliwa, Fischer Kondowe, John Banda and Chande; Strikers: Chiukepo Msowoya, Green Harawa, Hanganda, Bokosi and Chiyesa. n
