RVG names final COSAFA Cup squad
Malawi coach Ronny Van Geneugden (RVG) has named his final squad for the 2018 Cosafa Cup to be held in South Africa from May 27 to June 9.
Portugal-based Richard Mbulu, Baroka FC striker Robin Ngalande, Zambia based Lusaka Dynamos winger Dalitso Sailesi and Mozambique-based John Banda will lead the Flames.
RVG’s squad has also been reinforced by Nyasa Big Bullets players – strikers Chiukepo Msowoya and Patrick Phiri, defenders Miracle Gabeya and John Lanjesi – who were not with the squad during week-long camp due to club commitments.
RVG has handed rising star Phiri a debut after an impressive performance in the TNM Super League.
Veteran Might Be Forward Wanderers holding midfielder Alfred Manyozo Jnr is another debutant at the regional football gala.
Teammate up-and-coming full-back Precious Sambani who has won the heart of RVG and had his debut in a friendly against Uganda in March, will also make the trip.
Moyale Barracks striker Gastin Simkonda returns to the Flames and COSAFA Cup following a year-long absence after recuperating from injuries sustained in a fatal road accident in 2016.
The Flames regrouped on Monday after a break during the weekend and fly to South Africa Friday.
They start their Group B campaign against Mauritius on May 28.
Their second fixture is against Botswana two days later before wrapping up the group stages against Angola on June 1.
Malawi’s final squad:
Goalkeepers: Richard Chipuwa (Wanderers), Brighton Munthali
Defenders: Stanley Sanudi, Precious Sambani, Dennis Chembezi, Peter Cholopi, Ian Chinyama, Gomezgani Chirwa, John Lanjesi
Midfielders: Levison Maganizo, Rafick Namwela, Felix Zulu, Alfred Manyozo Jnr, John Banda, Dalitso Sailesi, Robin Ngalande
Strikers: Chiukepo Msowoya, Richard Mbulu, Gastin Simkonda, Patrick Phiri
By Joy Ndovi
