Under-17 off to Botswana

Malawi Under-17 national football team fly to Botswana this afternoon hoping to finish off the job they started two weeks ago as they face the hosts in the second leg of the Caf Youth Championship this Friday at Mapolole Sports Complex.

Injured Under-17 coach John Kaputa has made the trip despite being in Plaster of Paris (POP).

Kaputa was accidentally tackled by a player during a training session at Kamuzu Stadium.

There were doubts on the coach’s availability but yesterday Fam confirmed that Kaputa was fit to travel with the team.

Fam general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said the team would leave Chileka Airport at 09:00 hours aboard Air Malawi flight to Harare.

“The team will then depart for Harare at 13:40 hours boarding Air Botswana and are expected to arrive in Gaborone at 15:30 hours.

The team will return on Saturday 22 September 2012,” Nyirenda said.

The junior Flames won the first leg 2-1 at Silver Stadium a fortnight ago and they need to beat the hosts by just 1-0 or any draw in the return leg to qualify for the second leg.

The Malawi delegation will be led by Football Association of Malawi executive committee member Alexander Waya.

The full squad is as follows: Peter Chembezi, Lovemore Jere, Isaac Mwale, Festus Chikwenga, Wongani Kuchisanga, Thokozani Harrison,Brian Phiri, Dalitso Makunganya, Kenne Kaunda, Juma Kaipa, Boston Kabango, Matias Nyirenda, Vincent Chavi, Gibson Kaluwa, Ernest Tambe, Kennedy Nyirenda and Cliff Bololo.

The technical team: Head Coach: John Kaputa, Assistant Coach: Leonard Mpulula, Team Manager: Nicholas Mhango, Goalkeeper Trainer: Heathwin Kumbaleza, Team Doctor: Wisdom Mkandawire