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| Sports |
| Mtawali, Masinga to spice up launch |
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by
Garry Chirwa, 27 April 2006
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07:22:15
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It’s here and it’s big! Flames former illustrious midfielder Ernest ‘Wire’ Mtawali and Bafana Bafana’s legendary forward Philliemon ‘Chippa’ Masinga will spice up the K150 million Telekom Super League launch on Saturday at the giant Kamuzu Stadium by featuring as guest players in the Honours Cup clash between Big Bullets and MTL Wanderers.
Fam president Walter Nyamilandu said both Mtawali and Masinga, who are based in Johannesburg, have already confirmed they will show up for the big event which the sponsors, Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM), have described as a launch with a difference.
The Fam head said Mtawali will turn out for the Bullets while Masinga—Bafana Bafana’s all-time top scorer and a member of the 1996 Africa Nations Cup victorious side, will feature for the Lali Lubani Road outfit.
“We have communicated with both players and they have accepted to come. We expect them to arrive tomorrow (Thursday), so that they can train with the teams on Friday.
“Their presence alone will be a further boost to the occasion because we are talking about two-big name African legends here who hanged up their boots not long ago,” said the Fam boss.
Nyamilandu also said initially, apart from the duo, they had also extended invitations to two other big-name players—Zambia’s soccer great Kalusha ‘Great Kalu’ Bwalya and former South Africa’s midfield stalwart John ‘Shoes’ Mosheu.
“Unfortunately Bwalywa and Mosheu will not make it. The former will be attending to other business commitments while the latter will be on duty with his club Kaizer Chiefs.
“In fact Bwalya was so excited and even suggested that we should postpone the launch, but we could not afford do that,” said Nyamilandu.
Mtawali, who delights in the glory of having played in French and Argentina top leagues at the peak of his career, confirmed in a telephone interview from Jo’burg that he will fly in today.
“I feel greatly honoured and I can’t wait for the big day. It is something very special and hopefully upcoming players will learn something from this,” said the 40-year-old battle-scarred midfielder who insisted that he is fit and will take the crowd down memory lane.
“I am not finished, you will be surprised on Saturday, I always keep myself fit,” he said.
However, Mtawali said Masinga is most likely to fly in on Saturday afternoon just two hours before the game. Masinga played in the English Premiership and the Serie A in Italy.
Apart from the game, the launch will include a street carnival, live band performances, spectacular acrobatic displays and Kwacha Cultural Troupe.
TNM’s products marketing manager Dan Makata said: “It will be a launch with a difference.”
Gates will open from 9AM and entry charges will be K2,000 VIP, K1,000 Covered Stands, K500 MBC Stand and K100 Open Stands. |
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