Malawi National Football Team Coach, Ronny van Geneugden, has named a 27-member provisional squad ahead of the June 10’s Africa Cup of Nations’ home qualifier against the Comoros Islands.
The surprise inclusion in the squad is last season’s TNM Super League top scorer Richard Mbulu, who now plays for Costa do Sol in Mozambique, whereas South Africa’s Golden Arrows forward Chiukepo Msowoya, who has not scored in six months, has been excluded.
Nyasa Big Bullets striker Muhammad Sulumba, midfielder Chimango Kayira, deposed captain Dave Banda, Harvey Nkacha and Manase Chiyesa from Kamuzu Barracks have also been dropped alongside Be Forward Wanderers sweeper Lucky Malata, attacker Joseph Kamwendo and Silver Strikers’ keeper Brighton Munthali.
Another notable inclusion in the squad, which regrouped Tuesday after briefly suspending camp training due to lack of funds, is Tanzania-based goalkeeper Owen Chaima from Mbeya City FC.
The former Bullets’ custodian is back alongside Mozambique’s HC Songo goalkeeper Charles Swini, midfielder Frank Banda and his Ferroviaro de Nampula’s elder brother John.
As expected, South Africa Premier Soccer League-winning striker Gabadinho Mhango from Bidvest Wits has made the squad alongside Captain, Limbikani Mzava, of Golden Arrows, Platinum Stars’ Gerald Phiri Junior and Robert Ngámbi.
Meanwhile, Wanderers and Silver have pleaded with Football Association of Malawi (Fam) to exempt the two clubs’ players from the national team camp for them to concentrate on Saturday’s Airtel Top 8 Cup final scheduled for Bingu National Stadium.
Silver General Secretary, Thabo Nyirenda, said they need to prepare for the final against Wanderers with a full house.
However, Fam General Secretary, Alfred Gunda, said the coach has indicated that it would not be possible to exempt the players.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Lemani Nthala (Kamuzu Barracks), Ernest Kakhobwe (Nyasa Big Bullets), Swini (Songo, Mozambique), Chaima (Mbeya FC).
Defenders: Simeon Singa (Wizards), Chikoti Chirwa (Red Lions), Ngámbi, Phiri (Stars, SA), Levison Maganizo (Silver Strikers).
Midfielders/ wingers: Simeon Singa (Wizards), Chikoti Chirwa (Red Lions), Ngámbi, Phiri (Stars, SA), Levison Maganizo (Silver Strikers).
Strikers:
Binwell Katinji (Silver Strikers), Yamikani Chester, Jabulani Linje (Be Forward Wanderers), Mbulu (Costa do Sol, Mozambique), Mhango (Wits, SA), Micium Mhone (Blue Eagles), Dalitso Sailesi (Nyasa Big Bullets), Innocent Bokosi (Red Lions), John Banda (Nampula, Mozambique), Frank Banda (Songo, Mozambique).
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