Malawi national beach soccer team head coach Willy Kumilambe has named a 23-player squad for the two-legged Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles, a tie that will determine whether Malawi qualifies for the continental finals. The first leg will be played away in Seychelles on October 10, with Malawi hosting the return leg seven days later, on October 17, in Salima.
According to the squad list released by the Beach Soccer Association of Malawi (BSA), the squad is drawn from twelve domestic clubs, reflecting the strength and depth of the local league. Two clubs stand out for their contributions: Sunbird Nkopola and Nyasa, each with four players in the squad.
Sunbird Nkopola, Nyasa Lead the Pack
Sunbird Nkopola Beach Soccer Club has produced a significant contingent for the national squad. The club’s four call-ups tie it with Nyasa for the highest representation. Sunbird Nkopola’s influence is spread across the pitch: Frazer Phiri provides depth in goal, Sandram Saddie offers defensive solidity, Isak Kajamu brings midfield creativity, and Jarosi Banda adds attacking flair.
This broad representation highlights the club’s development system and its role in supplying talent to the national setup. Nyasa matches that contribution with four players, including goalkeeper Haji Mussa, defender Richard Kambani and forward Aubrain Salika.
Squad by Position
Goalkeepers (4): Justine Bonongwe (Black Eagles), Frazer Phiri (Sunbird Nkopola), Haji Mussa (Nyasa), Ishmael Gaye (Sunbird Livingstonia).
Defenders (6): Sandram Saddie (Sunbird Nkopola), Thomas Mwase (Deep Bay), Richard Kambani (Nyasa), Adwel Nasoni (Nyasa), Emmanuel Banda (Umodzi), Alex Nsukanika (Vinthenga).
Midfielders (6): Isak Kajamu (Sunbird Nkopola), Dala Simba (Vinthenga), Isaac Kinna (Beach Eagles), Thoko Kamanga (Beach Eagles), Japher Chirwa (Chihame), Frank Mwenelupembe (Deep Bay).
Forwards (7): Aubrain Salika (Nyasa), Fastus Chikwezga (Penensula), Charles Ndlovie (Deep Bay), Afiki Bakali (Munali), Yusuf Issa (Umodzi), Anthony Yohane (Tchesa), Jarosi Banda (Sunbird Nkopola).
Broader Club Contributions
While Sunbird Nkopola and Nyasa lead the squad’s club representation, other clubs have also contributed. Deep Bay has produced three players: Thomas Mwase, Frank Mwenelupembe and Charles Ndlovie. Beach Eagles, Umodzi and Vinthenga each contribute two players.
Black Eagles, Sunbird Livingstonia, Chihame, Penensula, Munali and Tchesa each have one player in the squad.
With the fiery tagline “Pagombe payaka” (The fire is burning) on their promotional materials, the squad is expected to carry the momentum of their domestic clubs into the international arena. Coach Kumilambe will rely on this diverse blend of club talent to secure a favourable result away before sealing the tie in front of a home crowd in Salima.
Reacting to the squad, the Sunbird Nkopola Beach Soccer Club chairperson
Frezer Makinka Phiri ,described the call-ups as very encouraging. The chairperson said the recognition would motivate players to work hard to earn national call-ups and raise the team’s visibility.
