Lilongwe fans applause FAM for U-17 fixture

Football enthusiasts in Lilongwe have expressed their views on Football Association of Malawi’s decision to put Malawi under 17’s game against Botswana in the capital city.

Lilongwe fans have been crying out of lack of chances to watch national team games, as most of the times Lilongwe is overlooked over Blantyre, following FIFA’s recommendations that, stadiums in Lilongwe and Mzuzu cannot host senior national team games.

Alfred Damaliphetsa Phiri who resides from area 23 says that it is a big opportunity that the game is allocated in Lilongwe and he hopes that there wills a big turn out as it has been in the TNM super league.

“It’s a very good decision that the game will be played in Lilongwe. All the times when we talk about national team games its always in Blantyre, but this time around it give us (Lilongwe fans) an opportunity to watch national team game. I think a lot of people will come to this game as it has been in the TNM super league. And in addition to that, I would like to ask the fans to come in their large numbers so that we can cheer the junior flames.” he said

Dickson Chivyati Gondwe, Galaxy FM sports broadcaster echoed Alfred’s sentiments that it’s a good decision that FAM has put the game in Lilongwe, but he seems not to agree with the idea that there will be a big turnout.

“I think it’s good that FAM has allocated this game in Lilongwe, but we should not expect to have a lot of fans because there is lack of publicity when it comes to games concerning the junior flames, so a lot of people they don’t come to the games. I think FAM has to improve on that.

“in terms of how the team will perform, I think will win it because I know the team, we have been watching the guys play well in other competitions like the Airtel rising star, so I think Malawi will win it” he said

Another Lilongwe based football fan Stanley Nenula from Likuni says that he welcomes the idea that the game will be played in Lilongwe because, it (Lilongwe) also has a lot of people who love the national team.

“I welcome this idea because here in Lilongwe we also have supporters who love the national team, so I just want to ask my fellow Malawians that we should go in large numbers to give it (Malawi) our maximum support so that they  can go to the next stage.” he concluded

Malawi U- 17 takes on Botswana in a two legged affair in the African Youth Championship. The first leg will be played at Silver Striker’s stadium on 8^th September with the return leg to be played in Gaborone, Botswana on 22 September.

As we went to press the junior flames have gone in camp. The team will be coached by John Kaputa, assistant coach is Leo Mpulula while Moyale Barracks coach Nicholas Mhango will be team manager.

Preliminary squad:  Martin Mapinda, Gibson Kalua, Taonga Chingati, Vincent Chavi, Alinafe Lidi, Trouble Clement Banda, Brian Phiri, Lovemore Jere, Cliff Bololo, Matias Nyirenda, Binwell Katinji, Innocent Kyumba, Albert Mpinganjira, Thokozani Harrison, Yusuf Msusa, Peter Chembezi, Juma Kaipa, Kondwani Chilungo, Douglas Tewesa, Tinkhani Nyirenda, Ernest Tambe, Damson Mayola, Kondwani Dukuma Phiri, Isaac Mwale, Dango Kumwenda, Dalitso Makunganya, Tawonga Malenga, Gilbert Mkandawire, Clement Mwalwanda, Kennedy Nyirenda, Ken Kaunda,Victor Makhumula, Mike Chigalu, Boston Kabango,Festus Chikweza,Aubrey Makhanga, Andrew Kalikokha, Wongani Kusanja,Suzgo Nyambose