Malawi National Football Team striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango has said he is ready to start a new chapter in his Flames career.
This comes after Flames interim Coach Kalisto Pasuwa included the South Africa-based striker in his 25-member squad ahead of two dead-rubber Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Burundi and Burkina Faso next week.
Mhango returns to the Flames fold after immediate-past Flames coach Patrick Mabedi discarded him from his project, a decision that backfired.
However, Mabedi had always dismissed talk that there was bad blood between the pair.
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The Marumo Gallents experienced striker last played for the Flames during the 2024 Four Nations Tournament held in March at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
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Mhango told Times Sport from his South Africa base that he was eager to represent his country.
“It is always good to play for my country. I am ready to represent Malawi and promise to give my best all the time,” Mhango said.
Pasuwa has also recalled Romania-based defender-cum midfielder Charles Petro, who last played for the team in the 4-0 loss to Egypt in 2023.
Petro was not readily available for his comment Wednesday. However, Pasuwa has players who played against Senegal last month. maintained the bulk of
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Mozambique-based captain John Banda, Richard Mbulu and Lloyd Njaliwa are also in the squad.
Mbulu withdrew from the squad due to injury and was replaced by Isaac Kaliati.
Notable exclusions from the squad are defender Lawrence Chaziya, Stanley Sanudi, Chimwemwe Idana and Yamikani Chester.
But FCB Nyasa Big Bullets goalkeeper Richard Chimbamba, defenders Alick Lungu, Nickson Nyasulu and midfielder Yankho Singo have been included in the squad.
Silver Strikers winger Zebron Kalima has also returned to the Flames fold.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Competitions and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the Flames were expected to regroup next week.
“Other details will be released in due course,” he said.
Meanwhile, sports analyst Parry Chinyama has said Pasuwa has selected a good squad.
“Gaba and Petro will add experience to the squad,” Chinyama said.
Pasuwa was appointed Flames interim Coach last week alongside Peter Mponda and Pritchard Mwansa, who is first and second assistant coach, respectively.
Meanwhile, James Chilapondwa has been maintained as team manager whereas Levison Mwale is the team doctor. Physiotherapist is Dexter Killi whereas Peter Mgangira has been maintained as fitness trainer.
Simplex Nthala and Taonga Chimodzi have been appointed goalkeeper trainer and video analyst, respectively.
The Flames are expected to face Burundi in Ivory Coast on November 15 before hosting Burkina Faso four days later. Malawi anchor Group L without a point after registering four losses in the Afcon qualifiers.
