Gaba doubtful, Nyirenda ruled out
The Flames’ provisional squad for the 2015 Cosafa Cup has been hit by the last-gasp withdrawal of defender Harry Nyirenda whereas striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango is an injury doubt.
Mhango will learn today if his South Africa Absa Premiership club Bloemfontein Celtic can release him for the tournament which started yesterday in the platinum-rich North West Province.
FAM general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda told The Nation here in Sun City that Celtic insist the striker needs to undergo an operation over a long-term niggling injury.
“I spoke to the player and he says it’s not a serious injury and he has been able to play with it. He is, in fact, surprised to learn that he is supposed to go for an operation. Celtic will let us know their final position on Monday,” Nyirenda explained.
The Celtic forward said he would wait for FAM and the club’s agreement on the matter.
Mhango is among key strikers who coach Young Chimodzi named in his provisional Cosafa squad ahead of the quarter-final clash with Mozambique on May 25 at Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.
The list also included Nyirenda who has since been ruled out as his club Black Leopards are set to participate in promotion play-offs. Leopards will play Moroka Swallows who are battling to retain their Premiership status.
However, Celtic defender Limbikani Mzava, who has just signed for Mpumalanga Black Aces, will make the squad whereas Robert Ng’ambi is also out as he has been given two weeks for rehabilitation, according to Nyirenda. Ajax Cape Town attacker Robin Ngalande is also in the fold.
Also recalled is Mozambique-based goalkeeper Charles Swini and striker Zicco Mkanda. Chimodzi is set to name his final squad by Tuesday once he gets final confirmations from the players’ clubs.
Malawi and Mozambique join the cup from the quarter-final stage alongside holders Zambia, guests Ghana, Botswana and South Africa who host the Flames on May 23 in a training match here.
The rest of the teams including another guest Tanzania will start playing from the group stages from where each group winner joins the quarter-finalists.
Teams are eyeing Cosafa bragging rights and K18 million (US$40 000) which is at stake for the champions. As we went to press, Namibia got the show going when facing Seychelles at Morureng Stadium.
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*PETER KANJERE IS REPORTING FROM RUSTENBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
