BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi National Football Team head coach, Kalisto Pasuwa, has expressed optimism that the Flames will be ready for their upcoming international friendly fixtures despite a series of logistical and fitness challenges affecting preparations.

Speaking to the media in Blantyre ahead of the team’s final training session, Pasuwa confirmed that only two foreign-based players captain Gabadinho Mhango and Lanjesi Nkhoma are yet to join camp.

The duo is expected to link up with the rest of the squad in Bloemfontein ahead of the next friendly match.

“We’ve got only two players not yet around the captain Gabadinho and Lanjesi Nkhoma. They’re coming straight to Bloemfontein. Everyone else is here, except Blessings Pokera, who was unwell but trained this morning,” said Pasuwa.

He further disclosed that Chifundo Mphatsi has resumed training after resolving a passport issue that had briefly sidelined him.

“His passport had run out of pages and you can’t travel with that kind of document, so it had to be fixed,” Pasuwa explained.

The Flames mentor also expressed satisfaction with the return of Mphatsi and the introduction of Yann Kouakou, while praising the performances of Andrew Joseph and Uchizi Vunga, who have impressed in continental competitions.

“Yann has a big frame and fits the profile of a striker we want. We’ll assess him further in the next game to see if he can be part of our long-term plan,” he said.

“Mphatsi and Andrew Joseph have been doing well in CAF competitions and you can’t overlook such players. They bring competition and raise standards in camp,” he added.

Pasuwa emphasized the need to provide equal opportunities for both local and foreign based players, saying Malawi must build a balanced and competitive team capable of challenging the best in Africa.

“This is a national team setup a higher level where most of our opponents field professional players from Europe or North Africa. Our local boys must push harder and show the right attitude,” he said.

The former Zimbabwe international admitted that inconsistency and concentration lapses have cost the team in recent matches, particularly citing the goals conceded against Liberia and Namibia.

“We’ve been working hard to correct those mistakes. Sometimes the attitude drops when facing lower ranked teams but we must develop the mentality to approach every game with the same seriousness,” Pasuwa said.

He noted that the technical team is focusing on improving defensive discipline, set-piece defending and finishing areas that have been problematic in past encounters.

Pasuwa also commended goalkeepers Dalitso Khungwa and Elias Missi who he said are under close observation for future call-ups due to their promising performances.

Reflecting on the Flames’ recent 1–0 defeat to Lesotho, Pasuwa admitted that the match exposed weaknesses that need to be addressed but maintained confidence that the team is moving in the right direction.

“We are improving with every game. The goal is to build a team that competes with intensity, unity, and discipline,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, second captain Charles Petro said these friendly games are very important to them, especially during the FIFA window.

“As you know, when we play during the FIFA window, it helps us earn better position in the FIFA rankings,” he said.