Meck Mwase impressed with fitness levels

Flames coach, Meck Mwase, has said he is impressed with the fitness levels of the players during non-residential training conducted in the three regions.

The Flames started non-residential training last week as part of the preparations for back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) against Burkina Faso next month.

Preparations are expected to continue this week.

Mwase said his focus was on fitness and endurance during the first week of the training.

“I was very impressed with the players’ fitness considering it is off season. Majority of them are fit so we just need to continue conditioning them so that they are ready for the full time camp,” Mwase said.

Mwase and physical trainer Bob Mpinganjira are drilling the players in the southern region whereas Lovemore Fazili is responsible for the players in the central region. Charles Kamanga has been entrusted with the responsibility for the players in the Northern Region.

Foreign-based players will join the preparation in March for the crucial campaigns.

Mwase included new players such as Kamuzu Barracks goalkeeper Bondage Lweya, Be Forward Wanderers striker, Vincent Nyangulu, Ntopwa midfielder Mphatso Magaleta, Mlatho Mponela defender Eric Kaonga, Civo United defender Nickson Mwase and Lukelo Malema of Karonga United.

The Flames are third in Group B of the Afcon qualifiers with three points after beating South Sudan 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium. Uganda lead Group B four points from two games at par with Burkina Faso but the Cranes have a superior goal difference whereas South Sudan anchor the group.