By Ronald Mpaso:
If Malawi national football team needed inspiration ahead of Saturday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Morocco, then Football Association of Malawi (Fam) President, Walter Nyamilandu, provided it Wednesday morning as the Flames prepared to start off.
Nyamilandu called for an hour-long session with the players in Sydney Chikafa Hall at the association’s Mpira House in Blantyre.
In his authoritative voice, the Fam boss invoked the innermost feelings of the players as he asked them why they cannot make history by beating a team that had competed at this year’s World Cup in Russia.
“Yes, you are going there as underdogs but think deeply about what would happen if you win in Morocco. What would that mean to your careers? Don’t you think you can become instant heroes? Don’t you think the whole world will be talking about you?” Nyamilandu said as he looked at the players.
He asked the players to form a circle and hold hands to symbolise the need for teamwork as they take on the North Africans.
Nyamilandu then began to narrate the Biblical story of David and Goliath, reminding the players that it was the former who struck first and killed his gigantic opponent.
“As you go to Morocco, aim at being the first to score. This is an opponent we have beaten before and we can do it again. This is a big test for you but be courageous and determined to pass it. Fear and faith do not go together, so believe and be fearless as you face the enemy,” he said before leading the team in prayer.
Speaking after the session, Nyamilandu said it was important for him to motivate the players before departure so that they deliver in the away fixture.
Flames Captain, Limbikani Mzava, said the session was timely ahead of the trip to Morocco.
“We may have trained well but we need to build confidence in our capabilities so that we should do the job. That confidence has come through what the president has done. He has given us faith as we go out to face the enemy. We are not afraid at all,” Mzava said.
The team left Wednesday afternoon through Chileka Airport and is expected to arrive in Morocco this afternoon.
Ronny van Geneugden named his final squad hours before the trip, with player-of-the moment Be Forward Wanderers’ Yamikani Chester dropped while all foreign-based players minus Robin Ngalande have made the squad.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Charles Swini, Brighton Munthali
Defenders: Denis Chembezi, Stanley Sanudi, Limbikani Mzava, John Lanjesi, Yamikani Fodya, Gomezgani Chirwa, Precious Sambani
Midfielders: Jabulani Linje, Gerald Phiri, Frank Banda, John Banda, Rafick Namwera, Alfred Manyozo
Strikers: Richard Mbulu, Gabadinho Mhango, Atusaye Nyondo, Chiukepo Msowoya, Patrick Phiri.
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