Kieran Ngwenya back in Flames fold

Malawi National Football Team Coach Marian Mario Marinica has included Scotland-based defender Kieran Ngwenya in the 24-member provisional squad for the two-week camp in Saudi Arabia.

The Aberdeen FC left back, who is on loan at Raith Rovers, has not featured for Malawi since his debut in an international friendly against Tanzania in June 2021.

Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Technical Support Manager James Sangala said they are now working on the player’s travel logistics to Saudi Arabia.

“We wrote Aberdeen asking for the release of the player and they have officially given us the go-ahead to take him to Saudi Arabia. This follows discussions between the player himself and his new club,” Sangala said.

Ngwenya and Charles Petro are the only foreign country-based players in the provisional squad for the trip.

Midfielder Chimwemwe Idana, who is on loan at Silver Strikers from Tanzania’s Mbeya FC, has also been included.

Marinica is expected to name his final squad for the trip on Monday before flying to Saudi Arabia two days later.

Sangala said there will be medical tests after regrouping to determine which players are fit to make the squad.

“The players will be involved in club matches over the weekend and there will be a need to assess them after their return. The coach will monitor the performance of players who will feature in the Bullets international bonanza,” he said.

However, the Flames may not have all their players for the trip as both local and foreign clubs are at liberty not to release them outside the Fifa International Window.

Rules and regulations state that clubs can only release players for international duty for a maximum of eight days.

The Flames are using the trip as part of preparations for the 2024 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Egypt this month end.

Last weekend, Malawi played against Lesotho and drew 1-1 and lost 1-0 at Bingu National and Civo stadia, respectively.

The provisional squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers—Charles Thom, Brighton Munthali, Clever Mkungula

Defenders—Lawrence Chaziya, Miracle Gabeya, Stanley Sanudi, Paul Ndhlovu, Blessings Mpokera, Gomezgani Chirwa, Alick Lungu, Kieran Ngwenya, Nickson Mwase, Kelvin Kadzinje.

Midfielders—Frank Willard, Chawanangwa Gumbo, Patrick Mwaungulu, Charles Petro, Chimwemwe Idana, Gilbert Chirwa, Micium Mhone.

Strikers—Chiukepo Msowoya, Christopher Kumwembe, Gaddi Chirwa, Stain Davie.