Malawi national team assistant coach Peter Mponda is confident that the Flames will compete for the title in the 2025 COSAFA Cup, rather than merely participating as in previous years.
Mponda believes the current squad has what it takes to go all the way, noting that past campaigns have ended in disappointment despite the team’s potential.
He cited Malawi’s 2023 performance, where they finished in fourth place after losing to South Africa on penalties, as a sign of growth and progress.
“We have tried to find the balance by giving others a chance. We feel that we have a good squad to take us to the semi-finals and reach the finals and try to win it; we are going there to win and bring the cup home. It’s very unfortunate that we have been participating and not competing; this time we are sure we will compete and win the trophy,” said Mponda.
However, Malawi will be without two key players: Washali Jaziya, a defender based in Japan, and Zebron Kalima, an attacker from Silver Strikers.
“Jaziya’s team says we should give him time to settle, which is understandable, while Kalima will not be with us due to an injury,” said Mponda.
Malawi did not take part in the 2024 edition of the tournament due to the tragic death of the country’s Vice President, Saulos Chilima, in a plane crash.
Their last participation was in 2023, where they topped Group B with 9 points, ahead of Zambia, Comoros, and Seychelles. Under coach Patrick Mabedi, the Flames raised high hopes of winning the tournament but fell short in the semifinals.
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