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Thursday, 24 May 2007

Malawi to miss star players too

The South African technical team may have expressed fears that Malawi would choose their strongest squad possible for the looming Cosafa Castle Cup clash between the sides, but, if anything, they look more under-strength than Bafana's B side.

Without Essau Kanyenda and Russell Mwafulirwa, two of their most prolific strikers, the Flames will be relying mainly on their seven South Africa-based players to see them home at Somhlolo Stadium, Swaziland, on Saturday.

Peter Mponda, Robert Ngambi and Jimmy Zakazaka are some of the the players on whom Malawi coach Steven Constantine will place his faith, but, on paper, these players are not necessarily better than the uncapped youngsters who make up most of Carlos Parreira's squad.

While the Bafana coach may call on the experience of Moeneeb Josephs in goal, the Flames will have Swadick Sanudi, who plays for Mvela League club Dynamos. Also, few have heard of James Sangala, of Benoni United, and Allan Kamanga, the City Pillars player. So you'd have to say Parreira was correct in leaving out players such as Rowen Fernandez and Benedict Vilakazi for this regional tournament.

Malawi squad

Goalkeepers: Simeon Kapuza (Escom United), Swadick Sanudi (Dynamos, South Africa)

Defenders: Moses Chavula (Wanderers), Elvis Kafoteka (Escom United), Allan Kamanga (City Pillars, SA), Peter Mponda (Black Leopards, SA), Wisdom Ndlovu (Young Africans, Tanzania), James Sangala (Benoni United, SA)

Midfielders: Fundi Akidu (Big Bullets), Dave Banda (Red Lions), James Chilapondwa (Young Africans, Tanzania), Tawonga Chimodzi, Emmanuel Chipatala (both Silver Strikers), Joseph Kamwendo (Wanderers), Fischer Kondowe, Robert Ngambi (both Leopards, SA), Jacob Ngwira (Escom United)

Strikers: Noel Mkandawire, Chiukepo Msowoya (both Escom United), Sankhani Nyirenda (Eagle Beaks), Jimmy Zakazaka (Free State Stars, SA)

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