Sangala snubs FAM’s call from retirement

Former Flames sweeper James Sangala has made his position plain that not even FAM executive committee’s move to persuade him to carry on playing will change his mind to retire from the game.

At its quarterly executive committee meeting in Mzuzu last weekend, FAM resolved to persuade the current national team captain to reconsider his decision to retire and assist the team in its quest to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

“FAM is expected to meet the player to convince him to come out of retirement and consider joining one of the local teams,” reads part of the statement from FAM signed by general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda.

However, Sangala yesterday said his decision is irreversible.

“I would have loved to, but you will understand that there always comes a time and mine is over,” he said.

Sangala, who is popularly known as ‘Shareholder’ among fans, said it would not be fair for him to continue playing as he would be blocking other up-and-coming defenders.

His achievements as a player include being an integral part of the squad that qualified for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola and winning the 2001 Under-17 Cosafa Youth Championship.

The former Mighty Wanderers captain also played for Thanda Royal Zulu in South Africa and Primeiro de Agosto in Angola.