Malawi Flames coach Ernest Mtawali has picked six young players in his squad to face Swaziland in their 6 September Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Among the new faces are two strikers, Chawanangwa Kaonga and Manase Chiyesa.
Mtawali has dropped eight senior players, including captain Joseph Kamwendo and vice-captain Lucky Malata.
“The players I have chosen are young but are mature enough to deliver for the nation” said Mtawali, who was appointed at the start of August.
Mtawali explained he has decided against picking foreign-based players who are not playing regularly for their clubs.
However, he insisted the door is not closed to anyone and he will monitor everyone’s performances.
“I recently went to Mozambique to asses a number of Malawian players and have put in place a good communication system with their clubs to monitor their performances and the same applies to players in South Africa and out of the continent,” he said.
Malawi Flames are looking to bounce back after losing their opening Group L match at home to Zimbabwe in June, a result that prompted the sacking of coach Young Chimodzi and assistant Jack Chamangwana.
Malawi squad:
Goalkeepers: Richard Chipuwa(Be forward Wanderers), Brighton Munthali(FISD Wizards).
Defenders: Limbikani Mzava(Mpumalanga Black Aces, RSA), Stanley Sanudi(Be Forward Wanderers) , Yamikani Fodya(Big Bullets), Wonderful Jeremani(Silver Strikers), John Lanjesi(Civo United), Pilirani Zonda(Big Bullets).
Midfielders: Chimango Kayira(Costa De Sol, Mozambique), Gerald Phiri Jr(Bidvest Wits, RSA), Micium Mhone(Jomo Cosmos, RSA), John Banda(Blue Eagles), Isaac Kaliyati(Be Forward Wanderers), Robert Ng’ambi(Platinum Stars, RSA), Chikoti Chirwa(Red Lions), Yamikani Chester(Azam Tigers).
Strikers: Chiukepo Msowoya (Big Bullets), Chawangangwa Kaonga(Chibuto FC, Mozambique), Robin Ngalande(Platinum Stars, RSA), Manase Chiyesa(Kamuzu Barracks), Muhammed Sulumba(Jomo Cosmos, RSA).
