Mwase names final squad for e-Swatini trip
Flames interim coach Meke Mwase has named his final 20-member squad for Saturday’s 2020 Championship of African Nations (Chan) first round first leg qualifier against e-Swatini’s Sihlangu.
The squad is scheduled to fly out to Mbabane this morning through Johannesburg in South Africa ahead of the match slated for Mavuso Sports Centre in Manzini. It will be led by Football Association of Malawi (FAM) executive member Daud Suleman.
Save for the return of three veteran forwards—Chiukepo Msowoya, Gastin Simkonda and Zicco Mkanda—the rest have been regulars in recent past squads.
TNM Super League champions Nyasa Big Bullets have contributed nine players which is the highest, followed by Be Forward Wanderers (five) and Silver (three).
Mwase said the squad is a mixture of youth and experience.
“The majority of the players were part of the Under-23 squad that participated in the joint 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Under-23 Afcon qualifiers.
“We have included some senior players to strike a balance.
“It was not easy to come up with the final squad because the competition was stiff,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sihlangu head coach Kostadin Papic has recalled two seasoned players—goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela and Mthunzi Mkhontfo —for the clash.
He has also roped in new faces in the likes of defender Melusi Frank Dlamini and Bonginkhosi Dlamini. Papic is also reported to have drafted in Under-17 national team captain Lindani Matsenjwa.
Sihlangu begun full-time camping on Sunday at e-Swatini Football Association Technical Centre.
Following is the Flames’ full squad: Goalkeepers: Ernest Kakhobwe and Brightone Munthali; Defenders: Chembezi Dennis, Stanley Sanudi, Peter Cholopi, Charles Petro, John Lanjesi, Gomezgani Chirwa, and Trevor Kalema; Midfielders: Alfred Manyozo Jnr, Patrick Phiri, Mike Mkwate, Chimwemwe Idana, Mecium Mhone and Chikoti Chirwa; Strikers: Simkonda, Mkanda, Msowoya, Hassan Kajoke and Khuda Muyaba.
