Flames captain Limbikani Mzava has ruled himself out of Saturday’s crucial 2017 Africa Cup Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe’s Warriors due to a hamstring injury.
Flames coach Ernest ‘Wire’ Mtawali and the player himself confirmed the development yesterday.
“Mzava is out of the Zimbabwe game due to an injury. He is recovering from a hamstring injury, but while.is a blow, we have no choice and we will have to do with the players that are available,” said Mtawali yesterday.
On his part, Mzava—who turns out for South Africa Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Mpumalanga Black Aces—said he is not fit enough for such an important encounter.
According to Mtawali, in Mzava’s absence, vice-captain Chiukepo Msowoya will take over the armband.
Meanwhile, Mozambique-based players—goalkeeper Charles Swini, midfielders Joseph Kamwendo, John ‘CJ’ Banda and striker Schumacher Kuwali are expected to join the Flames camp today, virtually completing the squad for the Zimbabwe encounter.
The Flames, who anchor Group L with two points from four games, must win their remaining encounters against Zimbabwe and Swaziland’s Sihlangu to boost their outside chances of qualifying for Gabon.