National Sports

Ngalande plays down Flames snub

Midfielder Robin Ngalande says he is not bitter that Malawi national team coach Meck Mwase did not consider him in the recently-assembled squad.

Mwase named a 32-member squad to prepare for 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Burkina Faso in November.

Ngalande (L) is still hunting for a club

In an interview, Ngalande said he did not expect to be considered after a long call with the coach.

He said: “It wasn’t surprising at all. I had a lengthy phone call with coach Meke some time back and we talked about the whole thing. He understood I had to sort out club football things first.”

He, however, committed to rally behind the team.

Said Ngalande: “I will continue to support and contribute to the success of the national team with or without me in camp. I talk to and share ideas with most of the guys in camp and that is surely my best support for now.”

The player has been unattached since severing ties with Azerbaijani outfit Zira FK where he spent a season.

Though he could not nail a permanent place, the 27-year old praised his stay as beneficial.

“It was a great experience I had that side of the world. I got even better football-wise too. I also furthered my education. It was amazing if I must say,” he said.

The former Atletico Madrid reserve side attacker sounded optimistic that he would sign for a new club soon.

“My representatives are working on that. Soon as we know what’s next, will be able to tell. But we have had a couple of offers from South Africa and Turkey,” he said.

When contacted, Mwase said he could not comment on the matter because Football Association of Malawi had asked him not to conduct interviews with the press.

He said: “He does not have a club since he terminated his contract in January. The transfer window is now open and we thought of giving him a chance to concentrate on finding a new team. He is still part of our project and will always join us in the near future.”

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