The Malawi men’s under-21 hockey national team will depart for Lusaka, Zambia, tomorrow to compete in the Zambezi Test Series from 7-9 June 2024.
This will be Malawi’s first time participating in the Zambezi Test Series, following the recent outdoor ranking by the International Hockey Federation (IHF). Malawi is ranked 95th globally and 10th in Africa.
The test series was initially planned to involve four countries – Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Uganda. However, Zimbabwe withdrew last minute due to some challenges.
The games will be played in a round-robin format. Malawi’s first match will be against Uganda on Friday at 10:00 am at the Olympic Development Center, followed by a match against the host Zambia on the same day at 7:00 pm.
According to Godfrey Biya, the General Secretary of the Hockey Association of Malawi, the test series presents an opportunity for players to showcase their talent.
“We recognise that our performance was below par during the Africa Club Championship, so we aim to display our talents and view this as an investment for the future. We are grateful for the support provided by the sports council.” Explained Biya.
Meanwhile, Uganda has already arrived for the Zambezi test series in Lusaka, Zambia. Uganda and Zambia will both feature the men’s and women’s national teams while Malawi will only feature the men’s national team. The Malawi delegation is expected to return on 10 June 2024.
Below is the list of the squad and the technical panel
GOALKEEPERS
Madalitso Khulukulu and Joshua Nyirenda
DEFENDERS
Genest Gunde, Valentino Kamwendo, Adams Shukurani, Kalumbika Mhango, Admor Nasho and Gerald Mpachika.
MIDFIELDERS
Gift Kagwada, Alinafe Phiri, Benard Chiumia, Chifundo Jali, Peter Jere, Jackson Zimitsani and Patrick Malenga
FORWARDS
Kudakwashe Kunde, Galikai Gondwe, Denollye Mgeni, Kingsley Jere, Dominic Mwanoka and Malili Alexande
HEAD COACH
Ulemu Ngwira
ASSISTANT COACH
Geoffrey Gama
TEAM MANAGER
Martha Nyirenda
ASSISTANT TEAM MANAGER
Lilian Kadango
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Benjamin Chaura