By Twink Jones Gadama
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-As the 2024 Cosafa Beach Soccer Championship draws nearer, the Malawi Beach Soccer national team has announced their provisional squad for the tournament.
Head Coach Willy Kumilambe has selected a talented group of players who will go into camp to prepare for the competition, set to take place in Durban, South Africa from 17th to 23rd March.
The squad consists of 25 players who will be camping at Matundu Cottage in Salima, where they will undergo rigorous training sessions to ensure they are in peak condition for the championship.
The squad is a mix of experienced players and promising talents, with each member eager to represent their country on the international stage.
In the goalkeeping department, Coach Kumilambe has called up Justin Bonongwe from Beach Eagles, Eddie Jamu and Ishmael Saidi from Tourism, and Hadji Mussa from Nyasa.
The goalkeepers will play a crucial role in providing a solid defensive foundation for the team and will be tasked with keeping opposition attacks at bay.
The defensive line is filled with capable players such as Arnold Lasten and Blessings Likupe from Munali, Jowa Sipolo from Tourism, Martin Biliati from Nyasa, Jowl Mwamyongo from Mphanga, Alex Nsukunika from Vinthenga, and Willard Maunde from MDF.
The defenders will need to work together to ensure the team remains organized and secure at the back, while also providing support in attacking phases.
In midfield, the team boasts creative talents like Dala Simba from Vinthenga, Isaac Kajamu from Sunbird Nkopola, Frank Mwenelupembe from Deep Bay, Thoko Kamanga from Beach Eagle, Chikondi Banda from Chihame, Tito Chakwawa from Chipale, and Vincent Mwanyongo from Mphanga.
The midfield unit will be crucial in dictating the pace of play and creating scoring opportunities for the forwards.
The striking department features a mix of goal-scoring threats in Obrien Nkhukumba from Beach Eagle, Dandram Saddie from Sunbird Nkopola, Isaac Kondowe from MDF, Jairos Mussa from Nyasa, Yusuf Issah from FC Malawi, Isaac Kinna from Chihame, and Chikumbutso Phiri from Mphanga.
The strikers will be responsible for converting chances into goals and will be vital in determining the team’s success in the tournament.
With a strong core of players in place, Coach Kumilambe and his coaching staff will be looking to fine-tune tactics, improve fitness levels, and build team chemistry during their training camp.
The team will also be working on set pieces, defensive strategies, and attacking movements to ensure they are fully prepared for the challenges that await them in Durban.
In addition to the 25-man squad, Coach Kumilambe has also named five players on standby who will be ready to step in if needed.
Mike Chabvula from Rank, Yankho Biliati from Tourism, Kumbukani Phiri from Vinthenga, Nathan Longwe from Beach Eagle, Watson Simbeye from Noil, and Allan Mtawale from Chimanga will be waiting in the wings to support their teammates and contribute to the team’s success.
As the team gears up for the Cosafa Beach Soccer Championship, the players, coaching staff, and fans alike have high hopes for a strong showing in the tournament.
With determination, hard work, and a belief in their abilities, the Malawi Beach Soccer national team will be aiming to make their mark on the international stage and bring glory to their country.