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Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S opponents in the opening match of the 2017 AFCON qualifiers Malawi have named a training squad comprising home-based players to start preparations for the game against the Warriors. The Warriors and Malawi are in Group L, which also includes favourites Guinea, and minnows Swaziland. Zimbabwe and Malawi are set to clash on the weekend of June 12-14 as they begin the year-long marathon qualifiers for the 2017 AFCON tournament.

And it seems the Malawians are already a step ahead in their preparations after naming a group of 28 local players to kick-start their groundwork.

The players will be assessed by the Flames coach, Young Chimodzi, and his assistant, Jack Chamangwana, for consideration of the final squad that will also take part at next month’s COSAFA tournament in South Africa.

ZIFA spokesperson, Xolisani Gwesela, said lack of funding was hurting their plans. He said ZIFA will be meeting the national Under-23 coach Callisto Pasuwa today to map the way forward.

Currently, Zimbabwe has no senior team and are intending to use the current national Under-23 team led by Pasuwa to fulfil all the obligations both in their age group and at senior level.

“It’s not a secret that the nation wants football to bring back the glory days but in our situation we are limited mostly by lack of funding.

“Of course, we are aware the team needs camping and to play friendly games as well but everything hinges on the availability of resources.

“Preparations need funding. It is difficult to run football without support from the government and the corporate world.

“I have seen Malawi have named a training squad. We are meeting on Tuesday (today) to clarify most of the issues with the coaches. We are very optimistic that we will come up with a workable plan for our team.

“We have said that we would want to use the Young Warriors as the base to build the team for the AFCON qualifiers and the COSAFA tournament.

“However, we have not closed the doors on those who are not in the current Under-23 and we are saying the selection of the team is the prerogative of the coach.

“Of course, the association will give guidelines but we will not in any way interfere in the selection of the team. These are some of the things that we will need to thrash out with the coach.”

The CAF Under-23 Championship acts as qualifiers to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games with the three top teams automatically qualifying while the fourth placed team engages a team from the Asian Football Confederation in a play-off.

“We wanted to use the Under-23s for both the COSAFA and the Under-23 Championship, but we have an unfortunate scenario of dates that are clashing.

“We will come with a position by Tuesday (today) latest on which team to use for COSAFA and the Under-23 Championship,” said Gwesela.

Malawi squad

Goalkeepers: McDonald Harawa, Richard Chipuwa and Bright Munthali

Defenders: Francis Mlimbika, John Lenjasi, Yamikani Fodya, Stanley Sanudi, Lucky Malata, Enock Likoswe, Bashir Maunde,Nashoni Harazi

Midfielders: Ernest Tambe, Emmanuel Chipeta, Victor Limbani, Fischer Kondowe, Dalitso Sailesi, Isaak Kaliati, Ndaziona Chatsalira, Micium Mhone, Remedy Munthali, Chikoti Chirwa

Strikers: Peter Wadabwa, Muhammad Sulumba, Lotti Kamanga, Amos Khamula, Jabulani Linje, Tizgobere Kumwenda