World Cup Qualifier: Malawi Unveil Squad For Eagles

While Chief Coach of Super Eagles of Nigeria, Stephen Keshi will be sweating to reduce his 42-man list of players he called up for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Malawi in Calabar on 7 September, coach Tom Saintfiet has named a 23-member squad for the crucial tie.

Saintfiet, who dropped Mozambique-based captain, Joseph Kamwendo, said the squad will further be trimmed to 20 players to travel to Calabar in Group F decisive match. Malawi will play Botswana on 3 September in an international friendly match to prepare for the Eagles’ tie.

Kamwendo was, alongside Robert Ng’ambi, Esau Kanyenda, Chiukepo Msowoya and Foster Namwela, unable to report for a friendly match which Malawi won 1-0 in Rwanda on 14 August.

While Ng’ambi, Msowoya and Namwela have made the one but final squad, Kamwendo who plays for Liga Muculmana, has not made it. Instead ex Santos midfielder Tawonga Chimodzi has since been recalled. Kanyenda misses out through injury.

Kamwendo was earlier critical of the Football Association of Malawi’s $10 000 pledge to the coach if he beats Nigeria at a time when players’ demands for improved game bonuses were ignored. Malawi players get $80 each for a win.

Also missing are veteran winger Fischer Kondowe and winger Fischer Kondowe and striker Gastin Simkonda. Malawi team has been punctuated with reports of indiscipline.

Malawi leave for Botswana on 1 September before going to Abidjan then Calabar on 4 September.

Flames full squad: Owen Chaima (Big Bullets), Charles Swini (Silver Strikers), James Sangala (free agent), Moses Chavula (Costa do Sol), Harry Nyirenda (Black Leopards), John Langesi (Civo United), Limbikani Mzava (Bloemfontein Celtic), George Nyirenda (Big Bullets), Lucky Malata (Silver Strikers), Foster Namwera (Ferroviaro de Nampula, Mozambique), Chimango Kayira (Big Bullets), Robert N’gambi (Platinum Stars), Dave Banda (Kamuzu Barracks),Tawonga Chimodzi (Greece), Phillip Masiye (Blue Eagles),Micium Mhone (Blue Eagles), Douglas Chirambo (Big Bullets), Peter Wadabwa (Golden Arrows),Chiukepo Msowoya (Maxaquene),Robin Ngalande (Wits University),Gabadinho Mhango (Big Bullets), Atusaye Nyondo (University of Pretoria), John C.J. Banda (Blue Eagles).