By Tapiwa Chawagarira
FORMER Zimbabwe Warriors head coach Kalisto Pasuwa has turned to Zimbabwe-based players as he prepares the Malawi national team for the opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Pasuwa unveiled his latest Flames squad at a press conference today, with four players plying their trade in the Zimbabwean top-flight league making the cut as Malawi begins its quest for a place at the continental showpiece.
The Zimbabwe-based contingent comprises Simba Bhora goalkeeper William Thole, Hardrock defender MacDonald Rameck, Ngezi Platinum Stars defender Gomezgani Chirwa, and CAPS United midfielder Lloyd Njaliwa.
Their selection underlines the growing influence of Zimbabwe’s domestic league in Malawi’s national team set-up, with Pasuwa continuing to look beyond Malawi’s borders as he seeks to build a competitive team capable of qualifying.
Thole is no stranger to the Flames set-up, having previously been selected by Pasuwa, while Rameck, Chirwa, and Njaliwa have also earned recognition for their performances in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Pasuwa has also opened the door to several new faces, handing maiden senior national team call-ups to Blessings Kanowa of Nankatsu SC in Japan, Jorden Kananga of Zacatepec FC in Mexico, Wales-based Shaquille Gwengwe of Newport County, and Adiel Kaduya of Mustangs University.
Locally based players Peter Ng’ambi and Ajussa Kalowa have also been included as Pasuwa continues to inject fresh blood into the Flames.
The former Warriors mentor faces a demanding start to the AFCON qualification campaign, with Malawi drawn in Group B alongside Egypt, Angola, and South Sudan. The Flames are scheduled to open their campaign against South Sudan before traveling to face Angola.
The top two teams in the group will secure qualification for the 2027 AFCON finals, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
Pasuwa, who has previously stressed the need for unity and collective effort in Malawi’s qualification campaign, will be hoping that his blend of experienced players and newcomers can help the Flames make a strong start.
The coach has already shown a willingness to refresh his squad. During Malawi’s preparations earlier this year, he brought in new players to increase competition for places, arguing that competition is necessary to maintain high standards.
Malawi will be looking to improve on their recent continental record. The Flames last qualified for the AFCON finals in 2021, when they made an impressive run to the round of 16.
For the four Zimbabwe-based players, the call-up provides an opportunity to showcase the quality of the Castle Lager Premiership on an international stage, while Pasuwa will hope their familiarity with Zimbabwean conditions and competitive football can add depth to his side.
With Egypt and Angola providing formidable opposition in Group B, Malawi’s opening fixtures could prove crucial to its qualification hopes.
