Flames’ interim coach Tom Saintfiet has dropped eight players, including Fischer Kondowe and Simplex Nthala, in the call-up he announced Tuesday morning ahead of a friendly against Rwanda.
Meanwhile, the coach has also withdrawn his demand for a $10 000 (K3.2 million) appearance fee if the Flames beat Nigeria.
Addressing journalists alongside Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu, Saintfiet said the players who made the disastrous 2013 Cosafa Cup squad were dropped due to indiscipline and under-performance.
“Bongani Kayipa, Douglas Chirambo, George Nyirenda, Boniface Kaulesi and Dave Banda have the talent but will not go to Rwanda because we want to see different players. They may be recalled for the Nigeria game,” Saintfiet said at the Chiwembe Technical Centre.
Apart from praising the four, Saintfiet fell short of appraising the rest of the dropped Cosafa squad players, including strikers Gastin Simkonda and Jimmy Zakazaka.
Simkonda and Micium Mhone were the only Flames players who scored in open play in Zambia whereas Kondowe was among the few stand-out performers.
South Africa based striker Atusaye Nyondo was also axed with Gabadinho Mhango, Phillip Masiye and Lucky Malata recalled among the eight home based players.
Mozambique based defender Foster Namwela and veteran striker Esau Kanyenda has made a return to the Flames.
“I need experienced players with mental maturity to handle pressure in Nigeria.” Saintfiet said.
Full squad for Rwanda: Charles Swini, Owen Chaima, James Sangala, Moses Chavula, Harry Nyirenda, John Lanjesi, Limbikani Mzava, Lucky Malata, Foster Namwela, Joseph Kamwendo, Robert Ng’ambi, Chimango Kayira, Phillip Masiye, Micium Mhone, Peter Wadabwa, Chiukepo Msowoya, Robin Ngalande, John Banda, Gabadinho Mhango, Esau Kanyenda.
—Read tomorrow’s The Nation for more on Saintfiet withdraw of his demand for a $10 000 game bonus.
