Ernest Mtawali criticised for Robert Ng'ambi exclusion

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Monday May 30, 2016. 14:22

Ahead of their 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Zimbabwe, Malawi national team coach Ernest Mtawali has come under fire for his squad selection criteria.

The Nyasa Times publication report that the former midfielder has received criticism over his exclusion of players such as Robert Ng'ambi and Chimango Kayira.

A former Malawian U23 international, Chiza Nyirongo, is quoted saying the national side's technical team is lost - adding that there is personal vendetta against the experienced players.

It is reported that Ng'ambi, who plies his trade for South African Absa Premiership side Platinum Stars, has been left out of the squad for this weekend's match.

“Dropping Chimango Kayira a workaholic and midfielder Robert Ng’ambi, a creative midfielder, seems to me the technical team are lost,” said the ex-MDC United player.

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“What I gather from past call-ups are things personal and not football related. It seems he wants to build his own squad by sidelining these senior and experienced players.”

On the other hand, University of Malawi senior lecturer Dr Richard Nyirongo has also added that the trend was tantamount to never ending experiments by the former Flames legend.

“What baffles me is that our coaches seem not to have an idea of how to identify and subsequently correct the weak displays by some of those otherwise great players,” added Nyirongo.

“Are we saying every time a player plays below par they be dropped from the squad.

“We seem to be moving in circles when are going to have a squad. Are we going to be building forever.”

The Flames were scheduled to meet the Zebras of Botswana in a friendly last weekend, but the match was called off due to financial issues.

Their upcoming qualifier will be staged in Harare on Friday. The Flames currently occupy bottom spot in Group L with two points from four matches.