By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi national football team, the Flames, are standing firm and composed in the face of intensified competition from South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
Despite South Africa’s move to strengthen their squad by calling up six new players, the Flames remain undeterred.
The two teams are preparing to face off in the second leg of the final qualification round for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
This critical match will be played at the prestigious Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
In the first leg, the Flames secured a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
This result has given the Malawian side a psychological edge as they head into enemy territory.
It is this same result that might have prompted Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki to fortify his squad in anticipation of a tough rematch.
However, the Flames are focused more on refining their own game plan than on worrying about the changes made by their opponents.
Assistant coach Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda has made it clear that Malawi’s concentration is on their own preparation.
He sees South Africa’s decision to strengthen their team as a gesture of respect towards Malawi’s capabilities.
Mponda expressed that although the match is expected to be difficult, Malawi is prepared to meet the challenge head-on.
Confidence within the camp remains high as the coaching staff believes the team is physically and mentally ready for the battle ahead.
Head coach Kallisto Pasuwa has reported that training intensity has increased significantly ahead of the match.
Unfortunately, the team has suffered a minor setback with the injury of midfielder Zebron Kalima, who will miss the second leg.
Despite this, Pasuwa is encouraged by the positive morale among the players.
He credits the first-leg goal for lifting spirits and driving determination.
The coach has emphasized that the qualification tie is still open, warning his players not to rest on their laurels.
He has reminded them that the game is only over when the final whistle is blown.
Pasuwa also stressed that the Flames will not simply sit back and defend their lead.
Instead, he plans to use attack as a form of defense, indicating a proactive approach to the encounter.
The team held its first training session in South Africa yesterday afternoon as part of their final preparations.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s coach Molefi Ntseki expressed gratitude to local Premier Soccer League clubs for releasing players to reinforce the squad.
He believes these reinforcements will breathe new life into the team as they look to overturn the 1-0 deficit.
The six players added to the Bafana Bafana squad include Neo Maema from Mamelodi Sundowns, Ndumulelo Maphangule, Victor Letsoalo, Siyanda Msani, Simon Ramabu, and Kamogelo Sebelebele.
These players were initially unavailable due to club obligations.
With a crucial spot at CHAN on the line, both teams are entering the match with determination and purpose.
While Bafana Bafana may have home advantage and a stronger lineup, the Flames are betting on strategy, resilience, and unity.
Malawi’s national team hopes to write a new chapter in its football history with a qualification to the prestigious continental tournament.
