Malawi name squad to face Namibia: Kamwendo to skipper Flames
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) in conjunction with the Flames technical panel have released a 20-man squad sheduled to leave for Namibia on Sunday to take the Brave Warriors in the World Cup qualifiers on March 23,2013.
The Flames are also expected to play Botswana in a friendly match on Tuesday.
In the squad, which has no Mighty Wanderers FC player for the first time, FAM has taken on board ten locally based players who will also be joined by the other ten foreign stars.
In goals, Ngonamo has trusted Simplex Nthara and Owen Chaima while James Sangala, Limbikani Mzava, Moses Chavula, Lucky Malata, Douglas Chirambo and Steven Chagoma have been left with the mantle to marshal the defence.
On the middle of the park, Joseph Kamwendo, Robert Ngambi,Chimango Kayira, Ndaziona Chatsalira, Young Chimodzi Jnr, Fischer Kondowe and Peter Wadabwa will carry the Malawi flag to keep the engine room boiling.
Upfront, Ngonamo has entrusted his faith on Atusaye Nyondo, Zicco Mkanda,Gastin Simkonda and Gabadihno Mhango.
However, missing on the list is Mighty Wanderers captain Foster Namwera, who is traveling to Mocambique today to put pen to paper to one of the top teams.
The other notable two players not on the list are Silver Strikers duo of Charles Swini and Frank Banda.
According to Flames caretaker coach Eddington Ngonamo, Swini sustained an injury during training while Banda has been left out because they have drafted in a defending midfilder.
“We have already two attacking midfielders in Kamwendo and Ngambi, that is why we have left Frank otherwise he is a good player,” said Ngonamo, in a telephone interview with Nyasa Times on Friday morning.
Meanwhile, Joseph Kamwendo has been named as Flames on-pitch leader.
Ng’onamo said he has no doubts the enterprising midfield star will prove a perfect for the arm band.
“Jose Kamwendo merits the skipper award,” said the caretaker coach.
Contributing on Mpira Ku Malawi soccer show on MIJ FM Radio Station on Wednesday night, 21 of the 45 callers voted for the Liga Maculmana midfielder to take over the armband.
They said he is more calm, hard-working and more experienced than any other player in the team, hence deserves the honour.
The technical panel has also chosen Lucky Malata as the Vice- Captain.
Malawi National Team List Travelling to Namibia and Botswana:
No. Position Name Club
1 Goal-keeper Simplex Nthala Liga de Malcumana (MOZ)
2 Goal-keeper Owen Chaima Big Bullets FC (MWI)
3 Defender James Sangala Club de Benfica (ANG)
4 Defender Harry Nyirenda Black Leopards (RSA)
5 Defender Limbikani Mzava Bloemfontein Celtic (RSA)
6 Defender Moses Chavula CD Costa de Sol (MOZ)
7 Defender Lucky Malata Silver Strikers FC (MWI)
8 Defender Douglas Chirambo Big Bullets FC (MWI)
9 Defender Steve Chagoma Blue Eagles FC (MWI)
10 Midfielder Josephy Kamwendo Liga de Malcumana (MOZ)
11 Midfielder Robert Ng’ambi Platinum Stars (RSA)
12 Midfielder Chimango Kayira Big Bullets FC (MWI)
13 Midfielder Ndaziona Chatsalira Silver Strikers FC (MWI)
14 Midfielder Young Chimodzi Jnr Silver Strikers FC (MWI)
15 Midfielder Fisher Kondowe Big Bullets FC (MWI)
16 Midfielder Peter Wadabwa Thanda Royal Zulu (RSA)
17 Striker Atusaye Nyondo Supersport United (RSA)
18 Striker Zicco Mkanda Liga de Malcumana (MOZ)
19 Striker Gastin Simukonda Moyale Barracks FC (MWI)
20 Striker Gabadin Frank Mhango Big Bullets FC (MWI)
The Following are Leader of Delegation and members of the technical panel:
No. Position Name
1 Leader of Delegation Mr. Paul Mzungu
2 Logistics Manager Mr. Christopher Mdolo
3 Head Coach Mr. Eddington Ngonamo
4 Assistant Coach Patrick Mabedi
5 Assistant Coach Ernest Mtawali
6 Team Manager Charles Manda
7 Team Doctor Levi Mwale
