Squash Malawi has admitted facing a difficult task to name its provisional squad for next year’s Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.
The association is in dilemma because youthful players are failing to outclass veterans.
The federation’s Vice President, Gordon Benbow, said the just-ended General Alliance Squash Tournament gave them food for thought before naming the squad.
Veterans dominated the competition last weekend at Blantyre Sports Club, with youthful players only good enough for Plate and B divisions.
“We have our reservations. We were planning to send youthful players but I doubt if this will work. We would love to go to the Commonwealth Games and impress,” Benbow said.
The association had earmarked for the Games youthful players such as Chisomo Taulo and Chembe Matewere.
“We want to push them to go but they are not winning. It is still the old timers, such as James [Matewere], Julius [Taulo], Chiku [Mkutumula] and Aubrey [Taulo], who are dominating,” Benbow added.
He appealed for more squash sponsors to enable the association assess players.
“At the moment, it is definitely Aubrey and James. They have been consistent. They are the best two in Malawi,” he said.
In 2006, Chiku Mkutumula and Aubrey Taulo represented Malawi at the Commonwealth Games. Four years later at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games, it was James Matewere and Julius Taulo’s turn.
Budding player, Chembe Matewere, said they were equally good but lack exposure.
“We have a lot of work to do if we are to be considered for big events. However, if there were more competitions, we could have narrowed the gap,” he said.
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