Meck Mwase monitoring foreign-based players
Malawi national football team Coach, Meck Mwase, is monitoring foreign-based players before calling them up for the 2022 Fifa World Cup preliminary round match against Botswana.
The Flames start the qualifiers away to Botswana in Francistown on September 2 before hosting the Zebras eight days later.
Malawi started preparations with local-based players on Monday as Mwase tries to build on his impressive Cosafa Cup performance.
The former TN Stars mentor said his door was open for all players plying their trade in foreign leagues.
“We are monitoring our foreign-based players to determine which ones to call. We need players who are featuring regularly for their respective clubs. We are continuously monitoring them and by next weekend, we should release names of which ones would be joining the squad,” Mwase said.
During the Cosafa Cup in June, Mwase called up Mozambique-based John Banda and South Africa-based Gabadinho Mhango, Gerald Phiri jnr and Richard Mbulu.
However, Mwase has indicated that he could recall veteran midfielder Robert Ng’ambi and Robin Ngalande who are plying their trade in South Africa and Azerbaijan, respectively.
Ng’ambi, who plays for South Africa Premier Soccer League side Black Leopards and Azerbaijani Premier League team Zira FK striker Ngalande, were overlooked during former Flames coach Ronny van Geneugden’s two-year reign.
“But these players will not get automatic places in the squad. I will pick my players based on performance,” Mwase said.
Another foreign land-based player likely to be called up is Yamikani Chester who plays for the United States League championship side North Carolina FC.
Mozambique-based stars Charles Swini, Frank and John Banda, Chawanangwa Kawonga and Peter Wadabwa are also being monitored for a call-up.
