By Mabvuto Kambuwe & Peter Fote:
South Africa-based Malawi National Football Team legend Enerst ‘Livewire’ Mtawali arrived in the country Thursday ahead of Saturday’s match against Zambia at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Football Legends Association (FLA) Treasurer Anthony Msendema, another Flames legend Chancy Gondwe and Shadreck Chikhosi, formerly of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, welcomed Mtawali upon his arrival at Kamuzu International Airport.
Mtawali said he was ready to turn back the hands of time.
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“People should come in large numbers to watch the legends and they will not be disappointed,” Mtawali said.
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Zambia’s legends were expected to arrive in the country Thursday.
Meanwhile, FLA Chairperson Jim Kalua has disclosed that they have surpassed the K7 million shortfall on their budget for hosting the match.
Earlier this week, Kalua said logistical challenges in hosting their counterparts were a result of lack of funds.
He, however, said the business community and some well-wishers had come forward to help out.
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Kalua said they have now realised K28 million from the well-wishers, who include Mighty Mukuru Wanderers president Thomson Mpinganjira, who contributed K2.5 million.
“We are very grateful to everyone who helped us, including the Malawi Government, for giving us the stadium for free during the entire week for training. The government has also committed not to get its 25 percent for ground levy on match day. So we are thankful to each and every institution and individuals that have helped us,” he said.
Football Association of Malawi President Fleetwood Haiya has also donated K1 million, with his association splashing K4 million.
GS Plastics also donated K2 million towards the match.
Kalua said they have also received other forms of support from individuals who opted for anonymity.
Earlier this year, Mpinganjira also supported the legends with K7 million for their awards gala in Lilongwe.
The business mogul said when approached to help on the matter, he did not hesitate to make his contribution.
“These players are the reason we talk about Malawi football today. They sacrificed a lot and I am fully aware that they seriously want to register all their members on Masm. This is a big project that needs a lot of money. So I helped, just like I do with other needy people,” he said.
Tomorrow’s match is a reverse fixture of the one that took place in Chipata, Zambia, earlier this year, when Malawi lost 2-1.
Malawi will also have other players such as Esau Kanyenda, John Maduka, Peter Mponda and James Sangala.
Veteran coaches Kinnah Phiri and Young Chimodzi will take charge of the former Flames stars.
