Mkanda, Nthala ruled out
Mozambique-based goalkeeper Simplex Nthala and striker Zicco Mkanda are a huge doubt for this Monday’s Independence Celebrations game against Uganda’s Cranes at Kamuzu Stadium.
The Liga Desportivo de Maputo forward yesterday said FAM had refused to buy his air ticket from Maputo “because they are, for this game, only focusing on home based-players.”
Mkanda, whose goal won the Flames the 2015 Cosafa Cup Plate division championship on May 30 in South Africa, was supposed to add fire power to the national team’s attack that includes Deus Nkutu, Tizgobere Kumwenda, Green Harawa and recalled Chiukepo Msowoya.
In a separate interview, Nthala, whose exploits have Maxaquene leading the Mozambique league, also admitted that he was doubtful for the game after failing to depart Maputo yesterday.
He said Football Association of Malawi (FAM) had only indicated that it would refund him K70 000 for a return air ticket from Maputo to Tete from where he was asked to use road transport to Blantyre.
“It will be complicated. FAM is saying I should buy myself an air ticket and they will refund me K70 000 [156]. A return ticket from Maputo to Tete is almost K200 000 [444]. And for them to give me back only K70 000, it means I have to spend my own K130 000 [289]. I do not think it is a good idea.”
“I have asked my club’s management to buy the ticket and deduct the same from my salary and if they do, I will come to Malawi tomorrow. I will try to present the air ticket to FAM and negotiate that the K70 000 refund won’t be enough. I do not think government can fail to source air tickets for two.”
However, Flames coach Ernest Mtawali Tuesday evening confirmed that the two are ruled out of the match. He could not give details, but said Muhamad Sulumba and Micium Mhone who were in South Africa for trials, will join the squad this Thursday morning.
FAM transfer matching system manager Casper Jangale, speaking on behalf of general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda who is abroad, confirmed that Mkanda had been ruled out of the game “and only Simplex is coming.”
The Mozambique league is on mid-season break; hence, the availability of the players. Uganda drew 0-0 with Malawi last year and the Cranes say they will feature an Under-23 side to tune up for CAF Under-23 match in Egypt.
