Namibia vs Malawi (World Cup Brazil 2014 Qualifiers) – Malawi 25-man squad

Brave Warriors squad for Malawi
Namibia Sport (10 March 2013)

Brave Warriors coach Bernard Kaanjuka has named a 24-man squad, including 10 foreign-based players, for the upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifying match against Malawi, which takes place in Windhoek on March 23.

The squad sees the return of Hansa Rostok midfielder Manfred Starke, Blue Waters midfielder Hendrik Somaeb and Tigers striker Pinias Jacob.

Starke and Jacob last played for Namibia in a friendly against Rwanda in October 2012, while Somaeb last played for the Brave Warriors in an AFCON qualifier against Liberia in June last year.

The foreign-based players in the squad are Maritzburg United goalkeeper Virgil Vries; goalkeeper Ephraim Tjihonge who plays for South African First Division side Milano United; Amazulu defender Willem Mwedihanga; midfielders Ronald Ketjijere and Petrus Shitembi who both play for the University of Pretoria; Manfred Starke of Hansa Rostok; Lazarus Kaimbi and Tangeni Shipahu who both play for Thai Premier League side Osotspa; and strikers Henrico Botes of Platinum Stars and Rudolf Bester of Orlando Pirates.

Of the local based players, Black Africa have the most representatives with five players, while Ramblers, Tura Magic and Tigers have two players each and African Stars, Blue Waters and Civics one player each.

The players have to report at Soccer House next Sunday, March 17 at 18h00.

The squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Virgil Vries, Arnold Subeb and Ephraim Tjihonge.

Defenders: Willem Mwedihanga, Da Costa Angula, Tiberius Lombard, Emilio Martin, Jamu Ngatjizeko, Larry Horaeb, Denzil Haoseb, Ananias Gebhard.

Midfielders: Ronald Ketjijere, Petrus Shitembi, Neville Tjiueza, Bryan Bantam, Manfred Starke, Willy Stephanus, Hendrik Somaeb, Lazarus Kaimbi, Rudolf Bester.

Strikers: Penias Jacob, Tangeni Shipahu, Sadney Urikhob, Henrico Botes.

I wish all the best to Edd, Ern,Pat go guys go!! the country is behind you, am very much proud of you.

Flames turn to natural turf
Daily Times (14 March 2013)

The Flames have started training on the natural turf to get used to the playing conditions in Namibia where they have a tricky mission to upstage Brave Warriors in the World Cup qualifier on March 23.

Flames coach Edingtone Ng’onamo said on Wednesday they trained on natural turf at Surestream Ground in Chilomoni and also Kalibu Academy.

Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek, where the Flames are supposed to do the battle with the Warriors, is made of natural grass.

“We want them to get used to playing on the natural grass since we have been training on artificial turf.”

The team has been training on the artificial turf at Kamuzu Stadium since they went into camp two weeks ago.

Yesterday, the team trained at College of Medicine gym to improve their physical fitness level.

Ng’onamo said the players need to be both mentally and physically fit to withstand the heat in Windhoek.

“We need to prepare the players both physically and mentally ahead of this encounter.”

Ng’onamo, who will be facing first stern test in Windhoek, said he had not yet devised his preferred system of play because he was still trying the combination of players.

…

I think at least 7 of the 10 foreign based players (not currently in camp) will be in the starting line up. So, this combination of players thing is quite a puzzle.

20-Man Malawi Squad for the Namibia match:

Goalkeepers:
1. Simplex Nthala (Maculmana, Mozambique) – Now loaned to Ferroviaro de Nampula (Mozambique)
2. Owen Chaima (Big Bullets, Malawi)

Defenders:
3. Moses Chavula (CD Costa de Sol, Mozambique)
4. James Sangala (Benfica, Angola),
5. Limbikani Mzava (Blomfontein Celtics, South Africa)
6. Harry Nyirenda (Black Leopards, South Africa)
7. Steve Chagoma (Blue Eagles, Malawi)
8. Lucky Malata (Silver Strikers, Malawi)
9. Douglas Chirambo (Big Bullets, Malawi)

Midfielders:
10. Robert Ng’ambi (Platinum Stars, South Africa)
11. Joseph Kamwendo (Maculmana, Mozambique)
12. Peter Wadabwa (Thanda Royal Zulu, South Africa)
13. Fischer Kondowe (Big Bullets, Malawi)
14. Chimango Kayira (Big Bullets, Malawi)
15. Ndaziona Chatsalira (Silver Strikers, Malawi)
16. Young Chimodzi Jnr (Silver Strikers, Malawi)

Strikers:
17. Atusaye Nyondo (Supersport, South Africa)
18. Zicco Mkanda (Maculmana, Mozambique)
19. Gastin Simkonda (Moyale Barracks, Malawi)
20. Gabadinho Mhango (Big Bullets, Malawi)

According to Nation Sports, the Flames are expected to feature a full-strength squad against the Zebras (Botswana) as the 10 foreign-based players are expected to join the squad in Gaborone by Monday. Botswana’s Zebras have said they will not be able to feature their foreign-based players during next Tuesday’s international friendly match against Malawi at the University of Botswana Stadium in Gaborone.

Flames supporters get K7 million for Namibia trip
Daily Times (15 March 2013)

Ministry of Youth Development and Sports and Malawi National Council of Sports need about K7 million for the proposed Flames’ supporters trip to Namibia.

Sports Council board member Dean Pinto, who is coordinating the trip, said the budget was for travel costs alone which the ministry would help fund for a maximum of 65 supporters.

Apart from the K7 million, each supporter would have to cough about US$200 to make the trip.

“Each supporter needs about US$20 dollars for accommodation and US$2 for food per day for seven days,” Pinto said yesterday.

“The costs are very high. What we are looking at is transport which the ministry of sports will provide but the supporters will have to fend for themselves.”

Pinto said only those that would pay the amount would be allowed to travel with the team.

“Every supporter who wants to travel to Namibia must register with us by paying that accommodation and food money and give us his passport number, we will get the forex for them,” he said.

“Most of the time the supporters claim to have the money but end up suffering when they reach the destination. We want to avoid this. We want them to pay the money first. It’s their money and we will give them back once in Namibia.”

…

Why are Malawi Flames fans going to spend 7 days in Namibia?

They are not going to spend 7 days in Namibia. I understand they will travel by road via Zambia and Uganda Botswana. They are scheduled to leave Malawi on 20 March and arrive in Namibia on 22/23 March. They are scheduled to leave Namibia on 23/24 March and arrive in Malawi on 26/27 March.

Go Liberia!

Flames dealt blow, travelling without key goalkeepers
Nation Sports (16 March 2013)

The Flames have been dealt a body blow in the countdown to Saturday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Namibia’s Brave Warriors as their key goalkeepers Simplex Nthala and Charles Swini have been ruled out due to injuries.

The development means the Flames will travel to Botswana en route to Namibia today (Sunday) afternoon with two uncapped goalkeepers—Big Bullets’ Owen Chaima and Mighty Wanderers’ Richard Chipuwa.

Nthala confirmed in a telephone interview from Mozambique on Saturday having overstretched his right leg knee ligament during a training session at Ferrviario de Nampula.

“I had advanced to challenge an oncoming striker and in the process, we collided resulting to the injury. Our team doctor has since recommended the application of a POP [plaster of Paris].

“So, as it is, I am definitely out of the Namibia game and I am very disappointed not to be part of the squad,” said Nthala.

Swini who deputises Nthala, has also been ruled out having suffered an injury during Flames training last week.

However, Flames caretakercoach Eddington Ng’onamo on Saturday played down the absence of the two.

“Of course, both Chaima and Chipuwa are yet to earn caps for the Flames, but there is no cause for worry since we’ll be playing an international friendly match against Botswana on Tuesday,” said Ng’onamo.

He also described the development as a blessing in disguise considering that Nthala has not been enjoying game time.

“We have a lot of confidence in both ‘keepers that we have chosen and there should be no cause for alarm,” said Ng’onamo.

Other key players who have been ruled out due to injuries are midfielder Micium Mhone and Frank Banda whereas defender Foster Namwela has been deliberately left out as he is reported to be travelling to Mozambique for negotiations with a top league side over a prospective deal.

Flames captain’s tenure temporary—coach
Nation Sports (18 March 2013)

Flames caretaker coach Eddington Ng’onamo has said the appointment of Joseph Kamwendo as captain is on interim basis until the future of long-serving skipper Peter Mponda is determined.

Ng’onamo said this when he responded to a question on whether the Mozambique-based midfielder would permanently take over the armband from Mponda.

The caretaker coaching panel, which includes assistant coaches Ernest Mtawali and Patrick Mabedi, last week named Kamwendo as captain and Silver Strikers’ skipper Lucky Malata as his deputy.

“Let me clarify that the appointment of Joseph is on an interim basis and he will lead the team for the next three to four games that we [caretaker coaching panel] will be in charge.

“Our position is that Peter Mponda is still the national soccer team captain because he might return after his rehabilitation.

“After all, the process of appointing a permanent captain involves a number of stakeholders such as FAM technical subcommittee because it is a position of authority,” said Ng’onamo.

‘No one is indispensable‘

However, Mponda on Sunday said he does not see why authorities cannot appoint a permanent captain for the Flames.

“I am surprised that there is so much fuss about the issue of Flames captaincy.

“The [truth] is that even if I might have an opportunity to be considered for national duty after my rehabilitation, I do not think I will continue serving as national team captain as I am heading towards retirement. Sizamuyaya izi, [these are not lifetime positions]. I have done my part.

“The position of national team captain is very vital; hence, the need for the authorities to appoint a substantive captain now and, in my view, I thought the choice of JK [Joseph Kamwendo] is good because he has all the attributes of a leader. Of course, the others that could be considered for that role are Robert [Ng’ambi] and James [Sangala],” said Mponda.

Meanwhile, Moses Chavula, who has been the stand-in captain, has said he is not disappointed with the caretaker coaching panel’s move to replace him with Kamwendo.

“Being captain of the national team goes with extra responsibilities and I feel honoured to have served in that capacity. I am not bitter at all and I wish the new captains all the best,” said Chavula.

Mponda took over the Flames captaincy from John Maduka after the latter’s retirement from the Flames in 2005. Before Maduka, one of the current assistant coaches, Mabedi, was Flames’ captain.

“I am surprised that there is so much fuss about the issue of Flames captaincy.”

Brave Warriors must win – Kaanjuka
Namibia Sport (18 March 2013)

The Brave Warriors will have to win their encounter against Malawi on Saturday or jeopardise their chances in their 2014 World Cup Group F campaign.

These are the sentiments of coach Bernard Kaanjuka who stressed that the Brave Warriors match on Saturday at the Independence Stadium against the Flames of Malawi was crucial for the future of Namibia in the race for Brazil 2014.

“We have to win this one, no draws, or defeat will be accepted. We have to map out our own destiny. We don’t need favours from anyone in this group and we don’t know and don’t want to know what happens between Nigeria and Kenya in the other group match. So we have to do our job and do it well. That is the deal at the moment” said Kaanjuka.

The team had their first training session at the DTS club in Windhoek on Monday morning and will have their afternoon session at 17h00 at the same venue. From Tuesday to Thursday their training sessions will be conducted at the Independence Stadium at the same times.

“The session this morning was very light. You don’t want to push the players much, they just played over the weekend and it is very important to take it easy at times,” Kaanjuka said.

The team will be without the services of Blue Waters’ enterprising winger Hendrik Somaeb, who is ruled out with an injury sustained during training last week.

“Hendrik is out and we will have to make a decision whether to call up someone else or just do with what we have. Goalkeeper Ephraim Tjihonge is also missing and I have no idea when he is coming; the Thailand pair of Tangeni Shipahu and Lazarus Kaimbi will arrive today and Manfred (Starke) arrives tomorrow,” Kaanjuka said.

The match tickets are available on Computicket and NFA Soccer House for N$30 each and fans are urged to get them as soon as possible and come out in numbers to support the Brave Warriors.

The Brave Warriors squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Arnold Subeb (Black Africa FC), Virgil Vries (Maritzburg United, South Africa), Efraim Tjihonge (Milano United, South Africa).

Defenders: Willem Mwedihanga (Amazulu, South Africa), Larry Horaeb (Ramblers FC), Da Costa Angula (Black Africa FC), Denzil Haoseb (Black Africa FC), Tiberius Lombard (Tura Magic FC), Jamunovandu Ngatjizeko (African Stars FC), Ananias Gebhardt, (Tigers FC), Emilio Martin (Ramblers FC).

Midfielders: Willy Stephanus (Black Africa FC), Petrus Shitembi (University of Pretoria, South Africa), Ronald Ketjijere (University of Pretoria, South Africa) Bryan Bantam (Black Africa FC), Manfred Starke (Hansa Rostock, Germany), Neville Tjiueza (Tura Magic FC), Lazarus Kaimbi (Otsotspa FC, Thailand).

Strikers: Tangeni Shipahu (Otsotspa FC, Thailand), Rudolf Bester (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Henrico Botes (Platinum Stars FC, South Africa), Pineas Jacob (Tigers FC) and Sadney Urikhob (Civics FC).

Gaba will score 2 goals.

Why do I think of the article below whenever I think of the Malawi Flames?

http://www.ehow.com/how_2099963_make-fake-fire.html

Posted from  United States

Botswana 1:0 Malawi (International Friendly)

Zebras get boost ahead of Addis clash – BOPA

Jackie Mothatego’s splendid second half strike gave Botswana a morale boosting 1-0 win over Malawi, but the game will have given Zebras coach Stanley Tshosane a lot to ponder, as the visiting Flames nearly set UB Stadium alight with their football tactics.

A late flurry gave Batswana a glimmer of hope ahead of the Zebras trip to Addis Ababa to face Ethiopia in Sunday’s World Cup 2014 qualifier (24 March), but in the first half the local side was outplayed on their own turf.

Given how Ethiopia, group leaders with four points, followed by the Central African Republic on three, South Africa on two and Botswana on one, played enterprising football at the recent African Nations Cup in South Africa, Tshosane’s men will have to up their game.

On the evidence of March 19 night’s performance, the Zebras are easily dominated in the middle of the park. When they did have possession, it was in the wrong places, passes sprayed at the back between captain Mompati Thuma, Oscar Ncenga, Tshepo Motlhabankwe and Musa Ohilwe, once he had to come on for Pako Lekgari.

Malawi, who played a compact game, were very comfortable on the ball, and though their front line led by Douglas Chirambo was often starved of supply, they were able to use variations and launch attacks from either of the wings or take long range shots. Their transition from defence to attack was quicker, but Thuma led his line well.

The Zebras started with a very good move that nearly led to a goal early on, with Joel Mogorosi heading over the bar from close range. But it would take 26 minutes before the locals attempted a shot on Owen Chaima’s goal; a Motlhabankwe long range shot from just across the centre line, went well wide, a sign of desperation from a team bereft of ideas.

With the Zebras eventually coming out of their shell in the second half, the game became more open, and this also allowed the Malawians to trouble Kabelo Dambe. But the Township Rollers goal minder, currently on loan to South Africa’s Platinum Stars, showed why he is highly rated.

Robert Ngambi engineered Malawian attacks with his silky skills, but Dambe was up to the task, making a couple of crucial saves that proved why he is still the country’s number one, despite a lack of game time at club level.

The Zebras profited from being more attacking in the second half. Abednego Powell and Galabgwe Moyana were brought in for Ofentse Nato and Lemponye Tshireletso. The late introduction of Nteseng ‘Mirror’ Simanyana gave more impetus to Zebras play, as he and Mothatego became creative, with Powell sitting behind them in a holding role.

The first half pairing of Nato and Alphonse Modisaotsile seemed unclear about their roles, but they failed to get Mogorosi involved in the game. With the second half changes, Mogorosi was able to run at the opposing defence. In the 69th minute the Bloemfontein Celtic winger took on the Flames with a mazy run on the right wing, and when the defence half cleared his cross, the ball was brilliantly lobbed home by Mothatego.

An 83rd minute red card to Malawian defender, James Sangala for a second bookable offence further doused any chance of a Flames comeback. Mogorosi, now in his element, created another chance, and Moyana unluckily saw his shot hit the post.

Tshosane said the game had served to expose some frailties that his technical team will have to correct before Sunday’s match in Addis. His counterpart Edington Ngomano was pleased his team played well, and had dominated possession for most of the game.

Namibia assistant coach Ricardo Mannetti, who was on a spying mission ahead of his side’s World Cup qualifier against Malawi in Windhoek this weekend, felt the Flames were a good side, but that the Zebras had initially made the visitors look better.

“Malawi possessed the ball well, but their final pass was poor. Botswana was initially not working hard enough to win the ball and launch counter attacks. We now look forward to the weekend game, we have beaten Malawi before, but it will be a different ball game,” said the 38-year-old Mannetti who played for Namibia from 1992-2003, including at the 1998 AFCON and for Santos in South Africa.

Malawi starting 11:

Goalkeeper: Owen Chaima
Defenders: Moses Chavula, Harry Nyirenda, James Sangala, Limbikani Mzava
Midfielders: Douglas Chirambo (Ndaziona Chatsalira), Chimango Kayira, Young Chimodzi Jnr. (Lucky Malata), Robert Ng’ambi, Fischer Kondowe (Peter Wadabwa)
Striker: Gastin Simukonda (Gabadinho Mhango)

Before the friendly match, Malawi Coach Eddington Ng’onamo was quoted as saying: “We would also [in addition to trying new combinations and a possible game plan for the Namibia match] want to assess the new players such as Lucky Malata, Young Chimodzi Jnr and the two uncapped goalkeepers [Owen Chaima and Richard Chipuwa]. So, it is a very important game for us as it will be the first one through which we’ll be able to effectively assess the players.”

Malawi Captain Joseph Kamwendo did not play because his club (Liga Muculmana de Maputo) had a CAF Confederation Cup match against Nigeria’s Lobi Stars on Sunday. He put the visitors ahead on minute 18 but the hosts scored 3 goals in the last 16 minutes. Kamwendo and clubmate Zicco Mkanda will arrive in Namibia tomorrow.

The Ugandan…, why are you acting up? The Cranes are going to play against a coachless Liberia team. Why are you afraid?

Go Liberia!

Warriors can reach Brazil – Hindjou
Namibia Sport (20 March 2013)

The Brave Warriors have the potential to go all way to Rio in the race for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and Malawi could just be a victim of the cause on Saturday.

According to former Brave Warriors midfield wizard Johannes Congo Hindjou, the current Warriors crop consist of experienced campaigners such as Rudolf Bester and Henrico Botes, while also consisting of up and coming stars like Petrus Shitembi, Sadney Urikhob and others.

Hindjou said the Brave Warriors can take all three points when they meet Malawi in their World Cup Group F qualifying match on Saturday.

“We are second in the group and we have a chance of making it to Brazil with this team. We have a good team and they are not doing badly at all. They have not lost any crucial matches thus far and in this group we can fancy our chances as a country,” he said.

“There are no two ways about it – the team can get the victory they deserve on Saturday against Malawi,” he added.

Hindjou played against Malawi during his career and he believes they will not be that difficult to beat.

“Malawi has not been a headache for Namibia over the years but we have to focus on the job at hand. Forget about the history and make your own history so that one day you look back and be proud of it,” he appealed to the players.

The former Civics and African Stars player, who is currently the vice president of the Namibia Players Union called on the experienced players like Botes, Kaimbi and Bester to inspire their teammates.

“These guys are very experienced. They have more than 20 caps and have been playing at the highest level and they have that advantage to add to the team and motivate the local younger guys. The ever-green Botes can just be the trump card for our victory on Saturday” he said.

After two games played in group F, Namibia sits second on the four-team table on three points after a 1-0 victory over Kenya and a 1-0 defeat at Nigeria. Nigeria tops the group on four points, Malawi are third on two points and Kenya bottom on one point.

Tickets for the match are available on Computicket at Shoprite and Checkers countrywide and also at NFA Soccer House at N$40 each. The match is scheduled for a 17h00 kick-off on Saturday at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium.

“Malawi has not been a headache for Namibia over the years…”

28/06/1997 Namibia 4:1 Malawi
01/08/1998 Namibia 2:1 Malawi
15/08/1998 Malawi 0:1 Namibia
22/05/1999 Malawi 1:1 (2:4 PSO) Namibia
06/07/2000 Malawi 1:2 Namibia (friendly)
23/07/2006 Malawi 2:3 Namibia
06/07/2007 Malawi 1:2 Namibia (friendly)
26/03/2008 Namibia 1:3 Malawi
24/07/2008 Malawi 0:1 Namibia
09/02/2011 Namibia 1:2 Malawi (friendly)
06/07/2011 Malawi 0:1 Namibia (friendly)
23/03/2013 Namibia – Malawi

Current FIFA Ranking:
Malawi = 111
Namibia = 121

We will show them: Kaanjuka
Namibia Sport (20 March 2013)

BRAVE Warriors coach Bernard Kaanjuka is in a confident mood ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Malawi, saying that they will show them who Namibia is.

Kaanjuka was reacting to press statements in the Malawi media which he said showed a lack of respect towards Namibia.

“If you read the comments that they are making in their newspapers and even the comments from their coach, you can see that they don’t respect us at all. Comments like ‘they are coming here to beat us’ and ‘who is Namibia’ and such things, but we will show them on Saturday who Namibia is,” he said.

Kaanjuka sounded confident about the match, and referred to Namibia’s impressive record against Malawi. Since independence in 1990, Namibia has won seven and drawn one competitive match while they have only lost two friendly matches.

“Our record against Malawi is very good, if you look at the record you will see that we are far ahead,” he said.

Kaanjuka said that recent changes in the Malawi team would also play to their advantage. Malawi fired former coach Kinnah Phiri in January and Kaanjuka said their new caretaker coach Eddington Ng’onamo was still new to their setup.

“Their preparation has been disturbed because they fired their former coach and they’ve got a new coach now who must still get to know his players. I know they are playing Botswana in a friendly in Gaborone tonight but for me, I don’t mind about what they are doing. My job is just to prepare the team to beat them on Saturday,” he said.

The Brave Warriors squad trained at the DTS club yesterday morning, with all the foreign-based players present except for Manfred Starke of Hansa Rostok, although he has arrived in Namibia.

The other foreign-based players in the squad are Henrico Botes, Rudolf Bester, Petrus Shitembi, Virgil Vries, Ronald Ketjijere and Willem Mwedihanga, who all play in the South African Premier Soccer League, and Lazarus Kaimbi and Tangeni Shipahu who play in Thailand.

Kaanjuka said it was just a light work out to concentrate on conditioning and speed.

“Our training went well. Today was more about speed and conditioning and in the afternoon there will be more conditioning with the ball. As you can see the spirit is very good, the discipline is there and everybody is here now. We are just waiting for Manfred Starke to arrive but everyone is in good shape,” he said.

African Stars winger Deon ‘Hotto’ Kavendji has meanwhile received his first call-up to the squad and replaces the injured Blue Waters winger Hendrik Somaeb.

“This is his first call-up to the national squad. The boy from Blue Waters Hendrik Somaeb is injured and that’s why I decided to call up Deon to give him his first cap against Malawi,” he said.

Namibia are currently second on the log in their World Cup qualifying group, with the African champions Nigeria leading on four points, followed by Namibia on three, Malawi on two and Kenya on one point.

Kenya play Nigeria on Saturday and according to Kaanjuka that result could also have a big bearing on the group standings.

“Kenya is now traveling to Nigeria and we don’t know what will happen there. But if it happens that they draw the game and we beat Malawi, then we will be on top of the group. So we cant wait for Kenya to do the job for us, we have to do it ourselves, so we have to beat Malawi this coming Saturday,” he said.

@Sscouser, Liberia have a coach and have invited all their previously suspended players back. Unlike Malawi, they mean business.

The Ugandan…, was the coach appointed yesterday? This was posted a few days ago: “But the West Africans [Liberia] are in turmoil. They fired their head coach Kaetu Smith and his assistants after poor results during their seven-month stay in the job and are yet to appoint a new manager for the qualifier against Uganda.”

“Unlike Malawi, they mean business.”

And the Cranes mean business?

Godfrey ‘Baba’ Kizito’s two-year contract with Vietnam side NaviBank also ended and he has not played lately while Hassan Wasswa has just made just three appearances – all off the bench – for KCC after Fifa intervened to sort his ITC case.

Goalkeepers Dennis Onyango and Abel Dhaira can hardly sniff first team football at Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa and Simba in Tanzania respectively.

According to Mike Mutyaba’s statistics on the TP Mazembe website, the midfielder has not played a competitive game since moving there this year.

…

The whole scenario of summoning club-less and inactive players, especially for a supposedly foreign-based star who has been in the country since November, leaves a question over whether the technical team actually tracks them.

Malawi coaches lament lack of firepower – Nation Sports

Flames caretaker coach Eddington Ng’onamo and one of his deputies, Patrick Mabedi, have lamented continued lack of firepower upfront in the countdown to Saturday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Namibia’s Brave Warriors.

The duo said this in the wake of the Flames 1-0 loss to Botswana’s Zebras in an international strength-testing match on Tuesday night at the University of Botswana Stadium in Gaborone.

It was the same old song as the Flames created many chances, but sadly, failed to make them count. This was the case at some point last year during former coach Kinnah Phiri’s era when strikers played over 10 games without scoring.

It was the first game for the recently appointed caretaker coaching panel, but both Ng’onamo and Mabedi played down the loss, insisting the result was not a true reflection of the game.

Said Ng’onamo: “The result was by no means a true reflection of the game because we dominated the match.

“However, I noted that we still lack the firepower upfront. We created a number of good scoring opportunities, especially in the first half, but we failed to make them count. We need players who are composed and sharp in front of goal.”

He defended the move to replace players from different positions, saying it was one way of trying several options and combinations.

Mabedi shared his boss’ views, saying apart from the Flames’ failure to take their chances, the Zebras’ goaltender was outstanding.

“I would say their goalkeeper was outstanding because he thwarted several of our attempts.

“I am absolutely certain that if we had players such as Joseph [Kamwendo], Zicco [Mkanda] and Atusaye [Nyondo], the result would have been different because we created a number of chances, especially in the first half. Botswana only had two notable chances and made use of one,” said Mabedi.

The former Flames captain paid tribute to debutantes and singled out midfielder Young Chimodzi Jnr and goalkeeper Owen Chaima.

“Tawonga was superb, Owen was firm between the posts and when Lucky Malata was thrown in, he was very impressive. Chimango was also at the hub of our moves….simply put, the performance of the entire team was impressive,” said Mabedi.

He declared that the Flames will come out victors against Namibia, saying: “One thing I liked was that we were able to keep possession and knock the ball around.”

Ng’onamo and Mabedi said the soccer fraternity should not read much into Tuesday’s result.

“We didn’t have some players and, as I said, we were trying several options and combinations,” said Ng’onamo.

According to media reports from Gaborone, the Flames twice came close to scoring in the first half through Robert ‘Baggio’ Ng’ambi and Gastin Simkonda, but their attempts were thwarted by the alert Zebras’ goalminder.

The Flames made a number of substitutions in the second half, resting recalled veteran winger Fischer Kondowe, Chimodzi Jnr and Douglas Chirambo for Gabadinho Mhango, Malata and Peter Wadabwa.

Gabadinho also came close soon after his introduction, but missed from close range as his search for a first international goal continued.

The lone goal of the match came in the 69th minute through Jackie Mothathego.

“We didn’t have some players and, as I said, we were trying several options and combinations”

‘Bus Parkers’ Zebras (Botswana) will play away (against Ethiopia) this weekend so they (the Zebras) played the defensive 4-5-1 formation. Malawi also played a 4-5-1 formation. I think Namibia will play the 4-4-2 formation. Nuff said.

Lesson from Gaborone – Daily Times

Flames coach Eddington Ng’onamo has said the Botswana friendly had given him an insight on which combinations and tactics to use in the Saturday World Cup qualifier against Namibia in Windhoek.

The Flames coach said despite losing 1-0 to Botswana, the game proved priceless to the new technical panel as it prepared them for the crucial away fixture against Brave Warriors.

“What we need are sharp shooters, players who can pick the target and score. I now have an idea what players to feature in the Namibia game. We had a lot of chances especially in the first half the only problem was that we could not score,” Ng’onamo told a local radio after the Botswana friendly.

His assistant Patrick Mabedi said he was impressed with how the Flames dominated play in the first half.

“It was a game of two halves. We enjoyed good ball possession, created some scoring opportunities in the first half. But after making some substitutions we lost the steam,” he said.

“But overall I am impressed. The game’s purposes was to make sure we see how the players are performing so it’s okay. We just have to go back to the drawing board and work on the shortfalls,” he said.

In the starting lineup, Bullets FC goalkeeper Owen Chaima was in goals with James Sangala, Harry Nyirenda, Moses Chavula and Limbikani Mzava in defence.

The Flames packed the midfield with Young Chimodzi Jnr, Fischer Kondowe, Douglas Chirambo, Robert Ng’ambi while upfront he used lone striker Gastin Simkonda.

In the second half, Gabadinho Mhango was introduced for Simkonda, Lucky Malata replaced Chimodzi Jnr, Chirambo was replaced by Ndaziona Chatsalira while Peter Wadabwa came in for Kondowe.

However, the hosts went on to score the lone goal of the game through Jackie Mothatego.

The Flames were later dealt a blow after Sangala was red carded for a foul.

Mabedi defended the defensive tactics.

“We are playing away. We need to have respect for the opponent. That’s why we had to use five midfielders,” he said.

Fam general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said there was no need to panic following the loss.

“The purpose of the friendly is to find weaknesses in the team. I hope they will work on the weaknesses in the remaining three days,” he said.

“They wanted a friendly. They got it. Saturday game is no longer a friendly. They need to win.”

“We are playing away. We need to have respect for the opponent. That’s why we had to use five midfielders”

We need to have respect even for lowly ranked Namibia?

“If you read the comments that they are making in their newspapers and even the comments from their coach, you can see that they don’t respect us at all. Comments like ‘they are coming here to beat us’ and ‘who is Namibia’ and such things, but we will show them on Saturday who Namibia is.” – Namibia Coach Bernard Kaanjuka

Really?

Other Group F News:

Eagles, Kenya in twitter war – Vanguard

A full-scale Twitter war has erupted between Kenyan and their Nigerian counterparts over the apparent maltreatment of Harambee Stars in Lagoa ahead of Saturday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier in Calabar.

The hash-tags #SomeonetellNigeria and #SomeonetellKenya set worldwide trends as Kenyans vented on the social media platform to castigate the reception their national team received upon arrival in Lagos.

“The Nigeria Football Federation was instructed by FIFA Security Officer assigned for the match Mr Beckles Patrick from Barbados that they have breached the hosting arrangements.

“After his intervention the team boarded the Charter flight for the one hour 5 minutes from Lagos and Calabar,” a communiqué from FKF declared on Thursday.

That did little to quell the anger that greeted the news Stars had been compelled to lodge at a boarding school and train on primary school grounds after arriving in Lagos on Wednesday as Kenyans on Twitter collectively known as #KOT went ballistic on the site.

Churning over 100 tweets a minute at the height of the activity as they took over the site.

Kenya’s national team arrived in Lagos on Wednesday afternoon via a Kenya Airways flight ahead of their 2014 World Cup qualifying game against Nigeria this weekend.

The Harambee Stars are expected to leave Lagos for Calabar on Thursday where the Super Eagles await them.

However, the Kenyans are not happy that they have to spend the night in Lagos having thought they would be given a chartered flight by the Nigeria Football Federation to fly to Calabar immediately.

“They have put us in a two star hotel here in Lagos but we don’t mind since it is just one night and then we leave for Calabar. We are trying to prevail upon them to give us a training ground,” he told Goal.com.

Nigeria dismiss Kenya ‘fairy tales’ – MTN

Nigeria have dismissed complaints by Kenya that they were poorly received ahead of a World Cup clash, describing it as “pure fiction”.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, NFF’s assistant director (Media), Ademola Olajire, said: “We really didn’t want to be seen to exchange words with the Kenyans on non-existent issues. Nigeria is known to be good host at any time and we have not done less for the Kenyan delegation.

“Our protocol officials were at the Lagos airport to receive them, and took them to the Silver Grandeur Hotel, which is not a substandard hotel as being claimed.”

Olajire disclosed that the Kenyans were economical with information on their trip to Nigeria.

“For more than one week, we sent several mails to the Football Kenya Federation but they refused to respond to any. The NFF were forced to be relating with them through the Kenyan High Commission in Nigeria,” he said.

“Strangely, they arrived with attitude and they have carried on that way. On Thursday, we flew them to Calabar and they were received like royalty, with a performance by a cultural troupe thrown in. Yet, they carried on with complaints about almost everything, including questioning why the NFF took the match to Calabar.”

The NFF spokesman continued: “A national association has the prerogative to determine where it would play a home match, as long as that venue meets with FIFA’s requirements.

“We have made arrangement for them to train at the University of Calabar ground on Thursday evening and at the match venue on Friday evening, and their accommodation at the Channel View Hotel is perfect.

“We played Namibia in Calabar in an earlier match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification series, and also played against Rwanda and Liberia there. None of these teams had anything to complain about.”

Posted 1 June 2012:

Namibia suffered a two hour flight delay as they left Lagos for Calabar on Friday ahead of Sunday’s opening 2014 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.

The Brave Warriors arrived in Lagos on Thursday night and were supposed to depart for Calabar, the Cross River State capital, aboard an Arik Air flight scheduled for mid-morning on Friday.

However, the airline announced that there would be a 30-minute delay due to crew change at the old domestic arm of the Murtala Muhammed Airport.

There was further delay to their departure when they finally boarded an hour later due to the air traffic control’s system problem.

The plane finally took off in the afternoon, two hours and 15 minutes behind schedule and arrived in Calabar 55 minutes later.

Unruffled Namibia coach Bernard Kaanjuka told Goal.com that they were not too happy with the arrangement for the trip as they expected to have been flown to Calabar on Thursday night.

He said, however, that this would not affect the team’s spirit as they look to upset the Super Eagles in Sunday’s game.

“I’ve been working as a coach for 20 years all over Africa and I know how things work, this will not affect us,” Kaanjuka told Goal.com.

“We will do our first work out at 5pm today (Friday). But first I need to get my players good food because the breakfast they had was poor.”

The Brave Warriors are ranked 120th in the world, far below their opponents who are ranked 63rd.

Nigeria beat the Brave Warriors 1-0.

Malawi will win 2-1.

Simon, how dare you?

“If you read the comments that they are making in their newspapers and even the comments from their coach, you can see that they don’t respect us at all. Comments like ‘they are coming here to beat us’ and ‘who is Namibia’ and such things, but we will show them on Saturday who Namibia is.” – Namibia Coach Bernard Kaanjuka