Cosafa Under-20 draw Wednesday
Cosafa under-20 Championship draw is scheduled for Wednesday morning in South Africa, with the Junior Flames set to know the identity of their preliminary round opponents.
The championship for the juniors is critical to football development in Southern Africa as graduates from such events usually make an instant impact once promoted to senior teams.
In view of this, Malawi under-20 Coach, Gerald Phiri Senior, should be curious to know his team’s opponents for the championship, which copper-rich Zambian city of Kitwe City will host from December 6 to 16.
Last year, Phiri’s team returned home empty-handed from South Africa after it failed to win in four games.
Then naive players, such as Abel Mwakilama and Mike Mkwate, have now acquired experience; hence, more is expected from them when they travel to Zambia.
Attacker Peter Banda, who got injured days before last year’s championship, is now available for selection.
Malawi has never won the championship but came mightily close in 2003 by reaching the final.
Some 12 teams, including guests Egypt and Uganda, are set to take part in the competition whose holders are the hosts.
During the draw, the teams would be split into three groups. Group winners and overall second-best team would progress to the semi-finals.
Last year, Zambia beat South Africa to win the championship. Most graduates from the Junior Chipolopolo, such as Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala, are regulars for their senior team.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
