CAF News – Malawi coach Meke Mwase has included Cyprus-based midfielder Tawonga Chimodzi in the 24-member squad for next month’s friendly against neighbors Tanzania.
The Flames face the Taifa Stars on 13 June 2021 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam to fine-tune for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Addressing the media in Blantyre, Mwase said Chimodzi has earned the call-up following his outstanding performance for Cyprus First Division side, Karmiotissa Polemidion FC.
“We have been monitoring Tawonga for a long time. For sure, this is the time we have decided to include him. We have seen how he is playing, and I have talked to him. As I have always said, the national team is for everyone and we will try everyone who is playing well, including those based here,” Mwase said.
Chimodzi has not played for the team for over eight years.
The squad’s surprise inclusion was first-choice goalkeeper Ernest Kakhobwe who has not played for his club, Nyasa Big Bullets, for a month as he is recovering from an injury.
TNM Super League leading striker Maxwell Gasten who has been scoring regularly for league leaders Silver Strikers was not included.
Mwase justified the inclusion of Kakhobwe and the exclusion of Gasten, saying the friendly was arranged at short notice.
“The friendly has been given to us at a short time, so we have considered those who have been playing for the national team. We have asked for more friendlies so that we can include those playing in Malawi, as we are looking at the forthcoming COSAFA Cup,” he said.
Recently, Malawi qualified for the Total Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021 finals.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: William Thole (Be Forward Wanderers), Ernest Kakhobwe (Nyasa Big Bullets), Brighton Munthali (Silver Strikers)
Defenders: Nickson Nyasulu, Precious Sambani (Nyasa Big Bullets), Limbikani Mzava (AmaZulu, South Africa), Charles Petro (Sheriff Tisapol, Moldova), Stanley Sanudi, Peter Cholopi (both Be Forward Wanderers), Paul Ndlovu (Mafco), Chembezi Denis (Polokwane City, South Africa)
Midfielders: Francisco Madiga (Dila Gori FC, Georgia), Chimwemwe Idana, Chimango Kayira (Nyasa Big Bullets), Chikoti Chirwa (Red Lions), Yamikani Chester, Rafick Namwera (Be Forward Wanderers), John Banda (UD Songo, Mozambique), Gerald Phiri Junior (Baroka FC, South Africa), Tawonga Chimodzi (Karmiotissa Polemidion, Cyprus)
Forawrds: Vincent Nyangulu (Wanderers), Khuda Muyaba (Polokwane City FC, South Africa), Richard Mbulu (Baroka FC, South Africa), Gabadinho Mhango (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
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