By Mabvuto Kambuwe & Peter Fote:
Newly appointed Malawi Under-23 National Football Team coach Kalisto Pasuwa has named his provisional squad for the 2024 Cosafa Cup to be staged in South Africa either this month or next month.
Initially, the tournament was scheduled to start next week but it has been postponed to a later date.
However, the Flames are taking no chances having started preparations under the tutelage of the Zimbabwean Friday at Mpira Village in Blantyre.
The Zimbabwean has included majority of the Under-20 players that won the Four Nations Tournament held in March this year.
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Some of the notable players in the squad are Austin Chirambo, Chimwemwe Nkhoma, Yamikani Mologeni, Josephy Balakasi, Dan Kudonto, Lameck Gamphani, Emmanuel Saviel and Chisomo Mpachika.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Communications and Competitions Director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the team regrouped Friday after taking advantage of the Fifa break.
“We would like the coaches to have at least some five days with the players. This is a Fifa window, and all players will be available which gives the coach an opportunity to see the group he will be working with.
“The other camping sessions as we go towards the competition will be done using the normal three-day camping model of balancing club and national team activities. So, this is the only period that they stay long together and we thought it wise that it should be utilised as we wait for the Cosafa tournament official dates,” Zakazaka said.
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For the first time in the Cosafa Cup history, Fam will send a developmental squad just like many countries namely Zambia, Namibia and South Africa.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers assistant coach Bob Mpinganjira and Pritchard Mwansa were named as first and second assistant coaches respectively.
Joseph Malizani is the team manager whereas Taonga Chimodzi is the data analyst.
Last year, the Flames finished fourth following 5-3 loss to hosts South Africa on post-match penalties. The team won all the three matches in the group stages including beating Zambia 1-0 in the opening match.
Goalkeepers: Austin Chirambo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves), Amos Sande (Ekhaya fc), Blessings Juma (Civo) Innocent Kamkwamba (Mzuzu city)
Defenders: Chimwemwe Nkhoma (Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC), Andrew Lameck, Mussa Bwanali, Yamikani Mologeni (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves), Chembezi Chihoma (Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC), Kelvin Banda ( Mighty Wakawaka Tigers fc),Chisomo Mpachika (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves), Justice Banda (Karonga UTD),Richard Kaira (Namitete Zitha),Joseph Balakasi (Dedza Dynamos) Samson Banda (Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC)
Midfielders: Oscar Petro (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC), Dan Kudonto (Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC), Lameck Gamphani (Dedza Dynamos), Bright Mtondagowa (Tigers FC), Wallace Adam (Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC), Clifford Chimlambe (Moyale), Erick Kayombo (Karonga UTD) Washiri Jazia
Strikers: Emmanuel Savieri (Civo), Masambero Kalua (Mighty Tigers FC), Wongani Kaponya (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets FC), Charles Nkhoma (Moyale),Saulos Moyo (Baka City), Chifundo Makawa (Kamuzu Barracks), Chimwemwe Chinga (Mzuzu City Hammers.
