Chipolopolo’s possible opponents at the upcoming Botswana Four Nations Tournament, the Malawi Flames, got down to business with their first training session ahead of the competition.
The Southern African nations will face off in the friendly tournament scheduled for 23–31 March 2026 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana.
Among those who trained on Monday morning was Silver Strikers midfielder Festus Duwe, who was recently named Young Player of the Year at the FAM Awards following a fantastic season with the Central Bankers. Duwe registered 16 goal contributions (11 goals and five assists) in 22 matches across all competitions.
“I’m grateful for the coach’s trust, and I will do everything possible to deliver,” said Duwe.
Also present was Ekhaya FC defender Hermas Masinja, who earned his first-ever senior Malawi national team call-up.
“It’s a proud moment for me to earn my first senior national team call-up,” said Masinja.
Hosts Botswana will welcome the 2012 AFCON winners Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe for the regional showpiece, which will feature the senior men’s national teams of the four participating nations during the March FIFA international window.
The tournament provides the Chipolopolo Boys with a competitive platform to begin preparations for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
A draw will determine the two semifinal fixtures, with the winners advancing to the final while the losing teams will play in a third-place match.
Meanwhile, George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina has been appointed interim Chipolopolo coach for a third stint, taking over from Moses Sichone following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Lwandamina returns to the Chipolopolo dugout having previously served as national team coach between 2015 and 2016, before making way for Wedson Nyirenda. He is currently in charge of Nchanga Rangers.
