Malawi's Under-23s Regroup Ahead of 2024 COSAFA Cup
A 30-player squad featuring talents from various Super League clubs has been called up for the first camp.
BLANTYRE, Malawi - The Malawi under-23 national football team is regrouping for a five-day camp starting Friday at Mpira Village in Blantyre to prepare for this year's COSAFA Cup tournament in South Africa, writes Happy Valirani.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Competitions and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka confirmed the plans, saying coaches want to utilize the ongoing FIFA break to hold their first camp ahead of the competition.
"We would like the coaches to have at least some five days with the players. This is a FIFA window, and all players will be available which gives the coach an opportunity to see the group he will be working with," Zakazaka said.
He added: "The other camping sessions, as we go towards the competition, will be done using the normal three-day camping model of balancing club and national teams activities. This is the only period that they will stay longer together and we thought it wise that it should be utilized as we wait for COSAFA tournament official dates."
FAM appointed FC Bullets head coach Calisto Pasuwa to lead the under-23 side, assisted by Bob Mpinganjira and Prichard Mwansa.
A 30-player squad featuring talents from various Super League clubs has been called up for the first camp.
A 30-player squad featuring Austin Chirambo, Amos Sande, Blessings Juma, Innocent Kamkwamba, Chimwemwe Nkhoma and others from various Super League clubs has been called up for the first camp.
Goalkeepers called up are Austin Chirambo, Amos Sande, Blessings Juma and Innocent Kamkwamba.
Defenders include Chimwemwe Nkhoma, Andrew Lameck, Mussa Bwanali, Yamikani Mologeni, Chembezi Chihoma, Kelvin Banda, Chisomo Mpachika, Justice Banda, Richard Kaira, Joseph Balakasi and Samson Banda.
Midfielders are Oscar Petro, Dan Kudonto, Lameck Gamphani, Bright Mtondagowa, Wallace Adam, Clifford Chimlambe, Erick Kayombo and Washiri Jazia.
Strikers are Emmanuel Savieri, Masambiro Kalua, Wongani Kaponya, Charles Nkhoma, Saulos Moyo, Chifundo Makawa and Chimwemwe Chinga.
The COSAFA U-23 Cup serves as a qualifier for the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, which determines the teams for the Olympic Games football tournament.