Tag Archives: Malawi National Football Team coach Kalisto Pasuwa

Malawi, Sports

Malawi’s Flames coach Pasuwa confident ahead of Namibia, Liberia matches

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi national football team coach Kalisto Pasuwa, has expressed satisfaction with the Flames’ preparations ahead of their upcoming international fixtures against Namibia and Liberia.

These two games are part of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and are crucial for Malawi’s chances of staying in contention for a spot at the global tournament.

Speaking to MaraviPost publication,Pasuwa said the team has been working hard during the training camp and that both new and experienced players are showing commitment and readiness to represent Malawi.

He highlighted the positive attitude in camp and the determination of players to deliver results for the nation.

The coach added that the fresh faces in the squad have integrated well and are ready to take on the challenge of international football.

These new additions bring youthful energy to the team which Pasuwa believes will be key in the tough away fixture on Friday and the home game on Monday.

All foreign based Flames players have now arrived in Malawi and joined the squad ensuring the team is at full strength ahead of their trip to Botswana.

Namibia will use Botswana as a neutral venue for their game against Malawi due to stadium requirements set by CAF and FIFA.

The Flames are scheduled to travel on Wednesday with their first match against Namibia on Friday. After that they will return home on Saturday to prepare for their second game where they will host Liberia at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

Some of the foreign based players in the squad include star striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango, Richard Mbulu, Charles Petro, Lloyd Njaliwa, Chawanangwa Kaonga, Dennis Chembezi, Mayele Malango, William Thole and Robert Saizi.

Malawi’s journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has been challenging. They are currently in Group H, where they have recorded mixed results.

In March 2025, the Flames suffered two straight losses 2-0 to Tunisia and 1-0 to Namibia, results that pushed them down to fourth place with six points after six matches.

Earlier in the qualifiers, Malawi earned a 3-1 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe which raised hopes of a strong campaign.

However they also lost 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea in a tightly contested match in June 2024.

Currently, Tunisia leads the group H with 16 points followed by Namibia on 12 points, Liberia with 10 points, Malawi on 6 points, Equatorial Guinea with 3 points and Sao Tomé and Príncipe at the bottom with no point.

Malawi, Regional, Sports

Pasuwa targets winning stats: Flames squad released for crucial World Cup Qualifiers

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi National Football Team coach Kalisto Pasuwa has set his sights on a winning start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after unveiling a 26-member squad that blends local talent with foreign based stars.

The Flames will begin their Group H campaign against Namibia on September 4 in Francistown, Botswana a neutral venue selected due to stadium standard issues in Namibia before returning home to host Liberia at Bingu National Stadium on September 8.

Pasuwa has turned to US-based players Mayele Malango and Henry Kumwenda to add creativity and attacking options in midfield.

The coach also recalled Charles Petro and introduced young talents like Washali Jaziya and Lloyd Aaron, signaling his intent to build a versatile squad capable of adapting to different opponents.

In defense, Mighty Wanderers’ Emmanuel Nyirenda joins a backline anchored by Denis Chembezi and Gomezgani Chirwa. Upfront, Pasuwa has kept faith in experienced campaigners Frank Gabadinho Mhango, Chawanangwa Kaonga, and Richard Mbulu, while also banking on the pace of Lanjesi Nkhoma and Patrick Mwaungulu to trouble defenses.

Notably missing from the squad are Silver Strikers’ defender Nickson Mwase and forward Gaddie Chirwa, whose recent form has been under scrutiny.

Speaking during the squad announcement, Pasuwa expressed optimism about the Flames’ chances.

“We have assembled a competitive group of players, and I believe they have what it takes to get maximum points in these two games. The team is in high spirits, and our focus is on starting the qualifiers strongly,”he said.

Full Flames Squad with goalkeepers like William Thole, George Chikooka, Joshua Waka

Defenders are Nickson Nyasulu, Denis Chembezi, Maxwell Paipi, Emmanuel Nyirenda, Charles Petro, Gomezgani Chirwa, MacDonald Lameck, Alick Lungu, Washali Jaziya

Midfielders are Yankho Singo, Blessings Singini, Lloyd Aaron, Lloyd Njaliwa, Robert Saizi, Patrick Mwaungulu, Chikumbutso Salima, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Mayele Malango, Wisdom Mpinganjira

Forwards are Chawanangwa Kaonga, Frank Gabadinho Mhango, Richard Mbulu, Henry Kumwenda