Reports: Botswana, Malawi friendly called off

by Bertin Basson

Friday May 27, 2016. 14:00

Malawi national team coach Ernest Mtawali says he is left disappointed by the fact the friendly match between his team and Botswana has been called off.

According to the Nyasa Times, Mtawali said he has been informed by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) that he must forget about the match as it will not happen.

The publication reports that the match has been called off due to financial constraints; the tie was scheduled for this weekend.

Although the Botswana Football Association has previously announced that the match has been rescheduled for this coming Sunday, it is unlikely to go ahead if Mtawali's sentiments are anything to go by.

BOTSWANA-MALAWI FRIENDLY RESCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates midfielder was planning to use the match as preparation for the Flames 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Zimbabwe next weekend.

“I can confirm to you that the team will fly direct to Zimbabwe next week on Friday for the Saturday match,” said the coach.

“We have been told that we have to prepare within the country due to financial constraints before playing Zimbabwe.

“We started training on Monday without Be Forward Wanderers players who only joined camp on Tuesday due to club assignments.

“On the same day, we released Bullets and Blue Eagles players for club duties. So you can see how affected we have been, but I still believe in the squad and hope to come up with the final traveling squad on Tuesday next week.”

Meanwhile, it is also reported that Malawian government turned down the proposal of letting the team travel by road to Botswana before connecting to Zimbabwe because the route is not safe, following renewed conflict between ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) and Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO).