Patrick Mabedi says Flames hungry for success

The Flames were drawn in Group B alongside holders and neighbours Zambia, Comoros and Seychelles. Malawi and Zambia last met at the 2019 Cosafa Cup in the quarterfinal in which the Chipolopolo triumphed 4-2 on post-match penalties after a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time. His first match in charge of the Flames will be a friendly against Mozambique at Zimpeto…

Flames interim coach Patrick Mabedi has said players in camp are giving him hope ahead of the 2023 Cosafa Cup slated for July 5 TO16 in Durban, South Africa.

Mabedi was reacting to the Cosafa Cup draw which took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday.

The Flames were drawn in Group B alongside holders and neighbours Zambia, Comoros and Seychelles.

Zambia’s Chipolopolo have dominated matches against the Flames in all competitions.

However, Mabedi believes that his troops will end Zambia’s dominance.

“I strongly believe that it is a mental thing but the players we have are hungry for success,” Mabedi said.

Malawi and Zambia last met at the 2019 Cosafa Cup in the quarterfinal in which the Chipolopolo triumphed 4-2 on post-match penalties after a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time.

Mabedi will lead the senior Flames for the first time at the regional showpiece.

His first match in charge of the Flames will be a friendly against Mozambique at Zimpeto National Stadium in Maputo, Mozambique, on June 14 before taking on Ethiopia in an Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at the same venue a week later.

The former FCB Nyasa Bullets and Kaizer Chiefs defender said this year’s Cosafa Cup will be a perfect opportunity to use Malawi-based players.

“We need to focus on the future by giving opportunities to our local players but, at the same time we are building a team for the future,’’ he said.

Mabedi named a 30-member provisional squad for the tournament, with camp training starting last week.

Former Flames midfielder Sherry Msuku said the Flames should exercise caution at this year’s Cosafa Cup.

“If we prepare well, the team can do well. We need to beat good teams like Zambia to win such tournaments,” he said.

This year’s Cosafa Cup will be played under a new format involving 12 teams, which have been divided into three groups of four teams each.

Group winners and the overall runner-up will advance to the semi-finals.