Harry Nyirenda to join Flames squad
Black Leopards defender Harry Nyirenda was expected to join the Flames camp yesterday morning in a big boost ahead of this Saturday’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations first round, first leg qualifier.
Nyirenda, who is a regular for the national team, brings competition and experience to the central defence that also has James Sangala, Pilirani Zonda, George Nyirenda and Bashir Maunde.
“I am coming today. I am at OR Tambo waiting to board. I will be there around 1pm. I am serving a red card suspension [for Leopards] which finishes after our Sunday game. I will return to South Africa on Monday,” the former Mighty Wanderers captain said through Facebook interview yesterday.
But the Flames will certainly be without strikers Esau Kanyenda and Robin Ngalande as they have cup and promotion/relegation play-off assignments for Polokwane City and BidVest Wits University respectively this weekend.
Flames coach Young Chimodzi said he was happy with the performance of his charges in training, but warned that it will be a tough game against Chad.
Malawi will travel to Chad for the second leg on the weekend of May 30 and overall winner dates either Sao Tome or Benin. The overall winner of the four matches shall advance into group B which has seeded Algeria, Ethiopia and Mali.
Each of the 15 groups’ winner, runner-up and third-best team across the pools will secure a place at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Morocco.
