Pasuwa Banks on Youth and Experience as Flames Gear Up for Independence Day Friendly Against Botswana
As Malawi prepares to celebrate its 61st Independence Anniversary, football will once again take center stage with the Flames scheduled to face Botswana in an international friendly match on Sunday, July 6 at the Bingu National Stadium.
The clash forms part of the national celebrations, and Head Coach Kalisto Pasuwa has announced a 25-man squad that blends youth and experience, signaling his intention to build momentum ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures.
Seventeen players from the recent Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup campaign have been retained, among them promising youngster Oscar Petro from FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves, who impressed on his debut against Angola. His inclusion underlines Pasuwa’s growing faith in emerging talent.
“This match is more than just a celebration. It’s a chance for us to solidify our team structure and give young players an opportunity to prove themselves,” said Pasuwa.
The squad also includes seasoned campaigners like Richard Chimbamba, Blessings Mpokera, and Chawanangwa Gumbo, providing a strong backbone for the team.
The Flames are set to regroup in Lilongwe on Thursday, July 3 to begin preparations for what is expected to be an electric encounter.
Full Flames Squad:
Goalkeepers:
- Joshua Waka (Blue Eagles)
- George Chikooka (Silver Strikers)
- Richard Chimbamba (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets)
Defenders:
- Mark Lameck, Maxwell Paipi, Nickson Mwase (Silver Strikers)
- Emmanuel Nyirenda, Timothy Silwimba (Mighty Wanderers)
- Blessings Mpokera (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets)
- Alick Lungu (Ekhaya)
Midfielders:
- Lloyd Aaron, Chawanangwa Gumbo, Wongani Lungu, Frank Willard (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets)
- Charles Nkhoma (Moyale Barracks)
- Blessings Singini, Oscar Petro (Mighty Wanderers/FCB Bullets Reserve)
- Moses Banda (Civil Service United)
Forwards:
- Olson Kanjira (Kamuzu Barracks)
- Wisdom Mpinganjira, Gaddie Chirwa, Promise Kamwendo, Blessings Mwalilino (Mighty Wanderers)
- Chikumbutso Salima (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets)
- Binwell Katinji (Silver Strikers)
With the match symbolizing unity and national pride, fans will be hoping the Flames deliver a performance worthy of Malawi’s independence celebrations.
