The Malawi National Football Team Coach, Ronny van Geneugden (RVG), has axed six players, including experienced defender Steve Chagoma and attacker Robin Ngalande.
The Flames new Belgian mentor has trimmed the squad ahead of the trip to Madagascar for the African Nations Championship (Chan) first round qualifier on April 23.
Chagoma, the Blue Eagles Captain, and Ngalande from Masters Security have exited camp alongside South Africa’s Cape Town City’s new signing, Isaac Kaliyati, Mike Kaziputa, Rafik Namwela (of Be Forward Wanderers) and Pempho Kansichiri from Kamuzu Barracks.
Wanderers striker Peter Wadabwa and Nyasa Big Bullets defender Miracle Gabeya are also out through injury.
“We were called and advised that the coach did not have enough time to assess us, so we are being released. It is part of the game. There is always next time,” Chagoma said yesterday.
Van Geneugden and Team Manager, Peter Mponda, were not readily available to comment yesterday.
The Flames will depart for Madagascar via Kenya on Sunday to play a friendly on April 18.
The Belgian is reportedly expected to name his final travelling squad today ahead of the first leg, first game.
Meanwhile, Madagascar have named a strong 24-member squad ahead of the game.
The islanders, led by French Coach Raux Auguste started camp training at the National Technical Centre of Carion, Antananarivo, Thursday.
The Madagascar Football Federation stated in a press release yesterday that the squad excludes players from Cnaps Sport FC.
Cnaps will play in the Confederation Cup semi-finals against CRD Libolo from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Madagascar squad includes Eddie Bastia, Andrianmifehy Chretien, Randrianomenjanahary Francois, Johny Rafelambolasa, Yasser Fosa, Jean Bosco, Rado Zanakala and Bakary Mario.
The Cnaps players will join the national team next week. Malawi will host Madagascar on April 30 at Bingu National Stadium.
The winner of between Malawi and Madagascar will date Mozambique in the second round over two legs in July.
The overall winner will then qualify for the third and final round in August with Mauritius, Seychelles and Angola as likely opponents.
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