Double blow for Malawi

Malawi’s Russel Mwafulirwa and Esau Kanyenda are ruled out of this Friday’s 2010 World Cup preliminary qualifier against Djibouti.

Former Ajax Cape Town striker Mwafulirwa will miss the away game due to an injury he sustained at Swedish side IFK Norrkoping.

On the other hand, the ‘Black Mamba’ (Kanyenda) is also recovering from an injury at his Russian First Division side, KamaZ.

The absence of the two key strikers has left coach Kinnah Phiri in near desperation.

The former Free State Stars coach will now bank on Bay United striker Jimmy Zakazaka, who was usually used as a substitute in the early group 12 games that saw Malawi beat Egypt 1-0, Djibouti 8-1 before succumbing 2-0 to the Pharaohs and 1-0 to DRC.

Another notable face missing in the squad which left Saturday for Djibouti via Ethiopia is transfer-listed Moroka Swallows’ midfielder Hellings Mwakasungula.


Kinnah explained Mwakasungula’s omission to KickOff.com.

“He last called me when he was training with Mpumalanga Black Aces and since then I haven’t heard from him, so it was difficult for me to call him,” he said.

The Flames’ squad also comprise Dynamos keeper Swadick Sanudi, Orlando Pirates’ Joseph Kamwendo, Bloemfontein Celtics’ Fischer Kondowe, Black Leopards’ Robert Ng’ambi, Peter Mponda and Santos’ Tawonga Chimodzi.

Defender James Sangala has also made the trip despite being clubless after being released by Thanda Zulu Royals.

Phiri has hailed also Orlando Pirates new Dutch coach Ruud Krol for giving Kamwendo more game time.

Kinnah says the Flames stand to benefit if the winger is given a fair chance to prove himself at club level, having endured a torrid time under departed Owen da Gama.

“When he came for the June 2010 World Cup preliminary qualifiers the player looked down lacking a little bit of confidence. I had to sit down with him and made him believe he is still the quality player. I’m glad he has re-discovered his spark,” Kinnah told KickOff.com.

Kamwendo had a grand game when he scored in 8-1 whacking of Djibouti in June then carried on his form with a Man of the Match display in an historic 1-0 win over reigning Africa kings Egypt.

The dreadlocked winger, who was rocked with injuries in his debut season at Pirates, has shown flashes of brilliance that earned his move to Danish giants Norrdsjaelland two years ago after signing from Zimbabwe’s Caps United.

And Kinnah believes the best is yet to come from the sweet-passing playmaker.