Kamwendo for the Africa Cup of Nations tie against Swaziland on 6 September.
Mtawali hinted that he would pick players on merit hence the decision to sideline captain Kamwendo Black Leopards’ Harry Nyirenda, Polokwane striker Esau Kanyenda and Bullets winger Fischer Kamwendo.
He said he was confident in the youthful player he had picked to deliver going by their performance during training.
“I have done my research Joseph Kamwendo has been our leader the past 10 years but he hasn’t been active at his club TP Mazembe,” Mtawali said.
“After sitting down with comrade Ramdhan we thought of engaging new bloold. We believe these 21 players will do the job.”
He said the door was still open for the players to be recalled.
“The door will never be closed for any player. If Esau is going to bang n goals at Polokwane I will call him back.”
The coach has entrusted the responsibility of putting back the Flames campaign back on course in the youthful players drawn his Under-20 side while he was in charge a year ago.
He said admitted that it would be a tall order for Malawi to win in Swaziland.
“There’s pressure for any game. I talked to Charles Manda who is now coaching in Swaziland who has offered me tips on how they play,” he said.
“With tactical discipline we should come up with a good result.
Football Association of Malawi General Secretary Suzgo Nyirenda, who accompanied Mtawali to the press briefing, said the coaches were given the support in preparations for the game.
“There’s no excuse we have given them all the support. We need to win against Swaziland,” Nyirenda said.
Limbikani Mzava has replaced Kamwendo as captain with Chiukepo Msowoya named vice-captain.
The team is expected to leave on Sunday for South Africa where they will camp for at least five days before leaving for Swaziland for the encounter.
Flames Squad travelling;
Goalkeepers; Richard Chipuwa (Be Forward Wanderers), Brighton Munthali (FISD Wizzards),
Defenders; Limbikani Mzava Mpumalanga Black Aces; Stanly Sanudi (Be Forward Wanderers), Yamikani Fodya (Big Bullets), Wonderful Jeremani (Silver Strikers), John Lanjesi (Civo United), Pilirani Zonda (Big Bullets),
Midfielders;
Chimango Kayira (Costal de Sol), Gerald Phiri Jnr (Bidvets Wits) , Micium Mhone (Jomo Cosmos) John Banda (Blue Eagles), Isaac Kaliati (Be Forward Wanderes), Robert Ng'ambi (Platinum Stars), Chikoti Chirwa (Red Lions), Yamikani Chester (Azam Tigers)
Strikers; Chiukepo Msowoya (Big Bullets), Chawanangwa Kaonga (Chibuto FC), Robin Ngalande (Platinum Stars), Manase Chiyesa (Kamuzu Barracks) Muhammed Sulumba (Jomo Cosmos)
Head Coach:Ernest Mtawali
Assistant Coach:Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan
Goalkeeper Trainer Phillip Nyasulu
Team Doc:Levison Mwale
Head of Delegation:Moses Mkandawire (1st Vice President)
