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