Flames squad trimmed
Flames interim Head Coach, Gerald Phiri Snr, has released ten players from the 32 member-squad for this afternoon’s match against Chinese Super League side, Guangzhou R&F.
The two teams meet during the official opening ceremony of the newly-built Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe.
The players released include Maneno Nyoni, Lughano Kaira, Trevor Kalema, Khumbo Msowoya, Lughindiko Mshani, Ben Manyozo, Thuso Paipi, Duncan Nyoni and Isaac Mwale after an assessment of their performance in camp while Be Forward Wanderers’ defender Ted Sumani has been released on disciplinary grounds.
The 22 member-squad, which will be led by Kamuzu Barracks goalkeeper Lehman Nthala as captain, has Brighton Munthali and William Thole alongside Nthala as goalkeepers, while Stanley Sanudi, Hygiene Mwandepeka, Chisomo Mpachika, Lawrence Chaziya, Mike Ntonyo and Mark Fodya will man the defence.
Midfielders are Mphatso Dzongololo, Levison Maganizo, Gregory Nachipo, Jack Chiona, Simeon Singa, Isaac Kaliati, Mike Mkwate, Righteous Banda, Dalitso Sailesi and Yamikani Chester
Khumbo Ng’ambi, Bright Munthali and Binwell Katinji have been retained in the squad as strikers.
Guanghzou R&F are one of the big teams in the Chinese Super League and finished on position six last year.
The team jetted into the country on Thursday through Kamuzu International Airport and had a feel of the new stadium yesterday afternoon.
Besides Phiri, the Flames technical panel has Blue Eagle’s coach Deklerk Msakakuona as assistant coach.
Peter Mponda and Phillip Nyasulu are also part of the panel as team manager and goalkeeper coach respectively.
President Peter Mutharika will grace the occasion.
The match will be the second to be played at the 40,000 seat facility. Nyasa Big Bullets and Be Forward Wanderers were the first to use the stadium for a match when they met on January 2 in the second leg of the Luso TV Bus Ipite Bonanza.
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