Flames interim coach Patrick ‘General’ Mabedi  has outlined his selection criteria ahead of next month’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Ethiopia and stressed that he won’t be influenced by names.

The Malawi National Football Team is expected to go into camp this Sunday in Blantyre and the caretaker coach  said he will name the squad as well as his backroom staff by Saturday.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, the former Flames and FCB Nyasa Bullets captain also said he will not consider those lacking game time at their respective clubs.

“We will strictly be looking at selecting players that are playing and,  most importantly, those that are fit and on top of their game,” Mabedi said.

On whether his stand applies to big-name players as well, the former Kaizer Chiefs caretaker coach said: “It cuts across the board, it’s not for a selected few.

“Mind you, we are still competing and not just participating. So, we need to select players based on merit. Selection needs to be earned, it’s not guaranteed.”

Mabedi (L): We need to select players based on merit

The development could affect big-name players such as South Africa-based forwards Frank Gabadinho Mhango and Khuda Muyaba who have hardly featured for their respective clubs in recent times.

Football analyst Parry Chinyama yesterday hailed Mabedi for his stand.

He said: “That’s the way to go because there is no point in selecting a player based on previous performance when he is sitting on the bench.

“The fact that a player is not having game time tells a story. Either he is injured or his performance has gone down.

“It would be prudent to select those that are enjoying game time and whose performance is contributing positively to the team. In fact, It’s not just an issue of having game time, this should also conform with performance. This is a norm elsewhere.”

 But Chinyama said the challenge for Mabedi will be whether he was able to watch and assess all players.

“That is a question which Mabedi has to answer or, if at all, he will rely on his lieutenants.

“I would also advise Patrick to liaise with club coaches to find out why some players are not having game time. Sometimes it could be an issue to do with character as in khalidwe and not necessarily performance; hence, being left out for selection.”

On his part, football pundit Kevin Moyo said: “That is the way to go. It will also encourage the players to work hard in order to be considered for national duty.”

The Flames are third in Group D with three points from four matches. They are six points behind leaders Egypt and three adrift of second-placed Guinea.

Malawi need to win both their remaining matches to have a realistic chance of qualifying.

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