Malawi National Football Team Coach Patrick Mabedi has once again bemoaned poor preparations ahead of two Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Burundi and Burkina Faso.
The Flames will host Burundi in the opening match of Group L at Bingu National Stadium on Thursday September 5, before travelling to Burkina Faso five days later.
Mabedi named his 28-member provisional squad which regroups today in Lilongwe ahead of the two matches.
Addressing journalists at Mpira Village in Chiwembe Township Friday, Mabedi said he was not happy with preparations.
“We only have one day of training which has never happened in Malawi football. It is the first time. Definitely, I am not happy as a coach.
“Everyone needs time to prepare for their work, even you journalists, you need time to write your stories. At least five days, would have been better. We need to understand that it is reality when they say if you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail,” Mabedi said.
According to Mabedi, his initial plan was to start camping on August 12 but it was shifted to August 25 before being shifted further to today in line with Fifa international calendar.
Meanwhile, Mabedi has recalled attacking midfielder Yamikani Chester ahead of the qualifiers. The former Mighty Mukuru Wanderers player returns to the team’s fold after one year.
However, there is no place for experienced striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango, who last played for the Flames against Zambia in a 2-1 defeat during the Four Nations Tournament at BNS in March this year.
However, Mabedi justified Mhango’s exclusion.
“We should not mix sugar with salt. We need to understand in life we need to move on and also give others an opportunity,” Mabedi said.
Sports analyst George Kaudza-Masina said the technical panel needs some soul searching and then include Mhango in the squad.
“This is for a national cause which should be looked beyond with a personal outlook. Yes, Gaba might have made a mistake at one time, but looking at the bigger picture, forgiveness is the way to go,’’ he said.
The exclusion of some players such as Isaac Kaliati and Emmanuel Allan has also ignited debate on social media.
However, Mabedi said due to the time factor, he was unable to consider them.
Former Flames defender Moses Chavula said the squad is good with a lot of experienced players.
“I think we still need Gaba but it depends on how the coach feels since he picks players who can suit his style of play,” Chavula said.
The squad comprises eight foreign based players including captain John Banda, Dennis Chembezi, Chawanangwa Kaonga and Robert Saizi.
The Flames will also face Senegal in October. Malawi failed to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast after finishing third behind Egypt and Guinea.
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