Malawian National Football Team mentor, Ronny van Geneugden, should get a broader picture of the task ahead when his Flames challenge hosts Kenya’s Harambee Stars in a friendly at Kenyatta Stadium this Tuesday noon.
Formerly called Jomo Kenyatta, the 10,000-seater stadium—home to Kenyan Premier League giants Sofapaka—is located 63 kilometres southeast of Nairobi in a town called Machakos.
This is the place where van Geneudgen hopes to piece together a team capable of challenging Madagascar in the African Nations Championship (Chan) first leg, first round encounter scheduled for this weekend.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Team Manager, Peter Mponda, said the Belgian was encouraged by the body language of his charges.
“The team had a feel of the pitch at the match venue to loosen up. The players are ready for the match. They are eager to represent their nation and the coach is equally excited with what he has seen so far,” Mponda explained.
Van Geneugden has a balanced squad of experienced campaigners and youngsters. Dave Banda is set to lead the team in company of seasoned midfielder Chimango Kayira whereas Manase Chiyesa and Muhammad Sulumba should lead the frontline.
Speaking before departure on Sunday, van Geneugden said he was happy with the squad.
“Yes, I am happy with the boys. I know that results are very important and we will definitely do our best to make things happen. Let us work together as a nation,” Geneugden said.
The Flames are returning to action for the first time in six months having last played competitively when the then caretaker coach, Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan, presided over a 1-0 win over Swaziland at Kamuzu Stadium in a dead-rubber Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Such a break has surely undermined cohesion, but the Belgian is optimistic of hitting the ground running in a congested month that will also see the Flames hosting Madagascar at the end of the month.
In today’s game, Kamaku Waweru, a university lecturer, will be the referee with Gilbert Cheruiyot and Oliver Omondi as the first and second assistants, respectively.
Kenya Coach, Stanley Okumbi, will use the match to build up for the Chan finals which the East African nation will host from January 11 to February 2 2018.
Malawi head into the game as favourites having defeated Kenya 19 times, suffered 12 defeats with 13 draws between them.
The last game between Kenya and Malawi ended 2-2 at Kamuzu Stadium in 2013. Kenya are on position 78, 12 places ahead of the Flames.
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