Date Of Article: 3/27/2003
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Muluzi raises the hype
By: Garry Chirwa
President Bakili Muluzi on Thursday drummed up the hype which has already gripped the nation in the countdown to Saturday’s blood and thunder Africa Nations Cup qualifier between Malawi and Nigeria, when he promised the Flames a surprise big award should they beat the Super Eagles. Presidential advisor on sports and youth affairs Henry Moyo said on Thursday that: “His Excellency has sent me to tell the boys that as their supporter number one, they should expect a surprise present from him which will take them by storm if they stop Nigeria in their tracks on Saturday. “He also said if the boys win they are assured of a great banqueting session at Sanjika Palace and other meritorious awards.” Moyo added that Muluzi is quite optimistic that the Flames will scorch the Super Eagles. “Due to the crammed nature of his diary, His Excellency might not be able to watch the match in person but he has stressed that his spirit and that of the entire nation will be at Chichiri Stadium. “He is also asking every Malawian to give a special prayer to remove bad luck. He is urging all the players to give out their best because they will be representing 12 million Malawians,” Moyo said. On a lighter note, Moyo said: “Muluzi added that Nigeria should not be feared because of its Europe-based players, size of the country or population, saying they will field 11 players with two legs each.” Last year, Muluzi awarded the Flames K15,000 each for beating Zambia’s Chipolopolo in the semifinals of the regional Cosafa Castle Cup. Meanwhile, former South Africa national soccer team coach Jomo Sono who is expected to arrive in the country on Saturday morning for the game, said on Thursday from Johannesburg that the game will be a tight-throat affair. “Malawi should not be written off as push-overs. They have hungry and dedicated players. It would be costly for Nigerians to underestimate players like Russell Mwafulirwa, Essau Kanyenda and Ernest Mtawali. I know what these guys are capable of doing, let the game be played on the pitch,” said the flamboyant Sono.
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