Scotland-based former Flames left-back Kieran Ngwenya has switched his allegiance to his motherland Trinidad and Tobago and made his debut in a 5-0 defeat to South Korea on Saturday.
The 23-year-old, who has a Malawian father, earned his only cap for the Malawi National Football Team against Tanzania in a friendly match in June 2021.
The defender, who plays for Scottish second-tier league side Dunfermline, was quoted by Trinidad and Tobago FA media as having said that he switched his allegiance to the dual-island Caribbean nation because “it has a special place in my heart as it is my mum’s heritage”.
“It is an honour to get this opportunity to represent my country,” he said.
Ngwenya has not been willing to play for the Flames after his parents raised concerns with how their son was treated after contracting Covid-19.
The player also left Flames camp in Saudi Arabia in 2022 ahead of the delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after disagreeing with the coach at the time, Mario Marinica, on his philosophy.
Reacting to the development in an interview yesterday, Football Association of Malawi operations director Gomezgani Zakazaka said: “It is unfortunate to lose a player of his calibre, but we saw it coming.
“His parents had issues with how he was treated when he contracted Covid-19 and then he differed with coach Marinica on his tactics. Otherwise, he is a gifted left-back and that is an area where we do not have enough options.
“But there is nothing we can do as it is a personal decision and he is also eligible to play for Trinidad and Tobago.”
Ngwenya, who started his career at Scottish top-flight league side Aberdeen, had an impressive season with Dunfermline and was a mainstay in the side as it fought for promotion to the Premiership and reached the Scottish Cup final.
Trinidad and Tobago are also scheduled to play Russia on June 9.
