Flames need a youth revolution

When the media broke the news that Peter Mponda and Elvis Kafoteka, captain and vice captain respectively, could not be available for the crucial encounter, in the African Cup of Nations  qualifier match with Tunisia, it just rubbed salt into our wounds, considering the fact that,  the testing match with Mozambique had just been postponed.

A lot of people doubted the team's capability to do well without the veteran duo, which are the key figures in our defence. Their versatility is not something that any football fan in this country would query about. They played a major role during the 2010 African Cup of Nations finals, when Malawi had to make a comeback to the tournament which last participated two decades ago.

Mponda's presence in our back four really motivates the squad, with his overwhelming leadership skills (simply he is a born leader), he is able to make decisions to support the team and lead the game.

With the support from fellow veteran defender Elvis they are able to push forward and launch attack despite that the team is trailing. They force through and manage to claim a victory. As a matter of fact most if not all of the games which Malawi previously won had to come from behind.

Simplex Nthala: 'MG1' Malawi Goalkeeper number one

With the duo ruled out for the occasion, Coach Kinnah Phiri had no other option than throwing the less experienced young stars into the act, replacing the experienced defenders. Harry Nyirenda 21 and Limbikani Mzava 19 had to step up and fill the void.

The young stars played with much confidence and composure in absence of the veterans, our back four looked firm and organized. It had no problems to cope with the pace of the Tunisians and even trying to calm them down.

Our back line in the game against Tunisia, really looked young and fresh, with the exclusion of the veterans Mponda 30 and Elvis 33, overage age for the back line was brought down from 28 to 22. The team was able to move forward quickly and return back in time to defend.

Some plaudits should also go to goalkeeper Simplex Nthala 23, since replacing the veteran goalkeeper Swadick  Sanudi ,the young star has been able to hold on to his position ,he has been outstanding since taking over reigns. In the game against Tunisia Simplex was effective, he was able to tap over some shorts which would have found their way to the back of the net.

There are a lot of positions in our squad which needs an overhaul, if we can let the young stars to establish themselves, our team will be strong and competitive. In a match against Tunisia our defence was ok, but our midfield and striking force lacked pace and creativity which are vital to unlocking the opposition defence.

There are a lot of young stars out there who are capable of doing the work, of bringing the pace and creativity which is lacking at the moment (some of the notable examples Henry Kabichi 22 and Robin Ngalande 19), the young stars could be the key to open the flood gates of goals and make Malawi a free shoring team, so they deserve a chance to establish themselves.

*The author is a student at Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ)

Nyasa Times 10 Sep, 2011

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Source: http://www.nyasatimes.com/sports/flames-need-a-youth-revolution/
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