Mabedi happy with improved Flames’ turn-up
Flames coach Patrick Mabedi says he is happy with the improved turn-up of the provisional squad for camp training sessions in preparation for the forthcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers..
The sessions started on a low note last week after only 12 of the 31 local-based players that were called up, reported for training at Mpira Village in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre.
The Flames will host Sao Tome and Principe at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on June 6 before facing Equatorial Guinea away four days later.
In an interview yesterday, the coach said the turn-out has improved significantly.
“I will not mention the figures, but we had a good turn-up in the second week and everything is going on well. The players are cooperative and are giving their all,” he said.
Mabedi said the only big challenge is to strike a balance considering that he only has the players for two days before being released to their respective clubs ahead of TNM Super League fixtures during the weekends.
“The players are with the national team only on Mondays and Tuesdays before breaking on Wednesday morning to rejoin their clubs,” he said.
“On Mondays, we have the challenge of ensuring that the players undergo recovery sessions and have their physical stature after Super League games. On Tuesdays, they undergo tactical, technical and theory sessions. But all I can say now is that we are heading in the right direction.”
The Flames are expected to have their last two-day training sessions next week before the coach announces the final squad that should go into camp at least a week before their match.
Meanwhile, team manager James Sangala has said the coach has added Silver Strikers captain Chikondi Kamanga, who was not on the initial list.
Last week, the coach had a rude awakening after Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Silver Strikers refused to release their players totaling 14 while FCB Nyasa Bullets only released five of the 10 that were called up.
He said said the situation would affect the team’s preparations.
