Why Malawi boss Patrick Mabedi did not name Gabadinho Mhango in his provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has now been revealed.
With the 2023/24 domestic season approaching its conclusion in various countries, international football is set to take centre stage again in June.
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On the agenda for most CAF nations is the second phase of World Cup qualifying, with the previous round of fixtures having taken place in November 2023.
Mabedi was appointed as the Flames' new head coach in October last year, with the Football Association of Malawi's (FAM) Emergency Committee handing the former Kaizer Chiefs star a two-year contract, with qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations outlined as his main objective.
Nevertheless, the former centre-back now has his sights on the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Sao Tome and Equatorial Guinea on 6 and 10 June, respectively.
Mabedi recently announced his squad in preparation for those games, with the 31-man list not including talisman Gabadinho Mhango of Moroka Swallows, which raised a few eyebrows.
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FAM communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka has explained that the provisional squad will only include Malawi-based players before players like Mhango, who play in a foreign league, are included.
"During the camp, players will be allowed to return to their respective clubs to fulfil club assignments where necessary. Wanderers and Silver Strikers players will join the camp later due to club engagements as they play in a Kamuzu Day celebrations ceremonial match. It is expected that the team will travel to Lilongwe on 27th May 2024 to continue with its preparations for the two matches. The list of foreign-based players will be released later on," Zakazaka said, according to Malawi24.
The full list of Malawi local-based players named by Mabedi:
Goalkeepers: Innocent Nyasulu (FCB Nyasa Bullets), Charles Chisale – (Creck Sporting Club), George Chikooka (Silver Strikers) and Blessing Juma (Civil Service Sporting Club)
Defenders: Mark Lameck, Tatenda Mb'alaka, Nickson Mwase (Silver Strikers), Stanley Sanudi, Lawrence Chaziya (Mighty Mukuru Wanderers) Yamikani Mologeni,Blessings Mpokera, Precious Sambani(FCB Nyasa Bullets), Alex Kambilinya and Kelvin Banda (Wakawaka Tigers)
Midfielders: Chrispin Mapemba, Patrick Mwaungulu, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Lloyd Aaron, Chikumbutso Salima (FCB Nyasa Bullets),Wisdom Mpinganjira, Blessing Singini (Mighty Mukuru Wanderers),Moses Banda (Civil Service Sporting Club),Chimwemwe Idana, Uchizi Vunga, Patrick Macheso (Silver Strikers), Wongani Lungu (Mzuzu City Hammers FC)
Strikers: Adiel Kaduya (Silver Strikers), Zeliat Nkhoma(Kamuzu Barracks), Ephraim Kondowe ( FCB Nyasa Big Bulletss),Chrstopher Kumwembe, Gadi Chirwa (Mighty Mukuru Wanderers)
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