Mzava, Phiri say they respect coach’s decision

South Africa-based Flames captain Limbikani Mzava and Gerald Phiri Jnr say they are not bitter for being dropped from the Flames squad which will face Comoros in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifier this Saturday.

Mzava and Phiri missed last month’s back-to-back qualifiers against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions due to injuries, but said they were fit for the upcoming Group B fixture.

Said Mzava in an interview from his Durban base yesterday: “I have no issues with the coaches’ decision. I respect their decision, I am behind the team and I wish them well.”

On his part, Phiri said: “I have no ill-feelings at all. I need to respect the coaches’ decision.”

Flames team manager James Sangala yesterday said Mzava has been dropped because the partnership in defence did well in the games against Cameroon “and it wouldn’t have done any justice to make changes”.

He said: “The other reason is that Mzava has been complaining about his injured knee for some time now and considering that we will play on artificial turf in Comoros, we felt it would not be ideal for him.”

Commenting on Phiri, Sangala said it is due to lack of game time at his South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Bidvest Wits.