After receiving his first-ever call-up to the Malawi national team, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets defender Andrew Jovinala is eagerly anticipating his debut appearance.
The versatile 22-year-old, capable of operating in central defense as well as on either wing, has been named in Kalisto Pasuwa’s Malawi squad set to take on South Africa in the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 qualifiers.
Jovinala, who joined Bullets from Blue Eagles in January, earned his spot on the national team following a strong start to the season with The People’s Team, featuring in three TNM Super League matches and making one appearance in the Airtel Top 8.
Speaking to FA Media, Jovinala expressed his excitement about joining the national squad.
“It’s a great feeling to receive my first national team call-up. When given the opportunity, I’ll give my all to justify the coach’s confidence in selecting me,” said Jovinala, one of seven Bullets players included in the 25-man Flames squad.
Malawi is set to play two consecutive matches against Bafana Bafana, hosting the South African side at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday, May 3, before traveling to Pretoria for the return fixture the following Sunday, May 11.
Richard Chimbamba is another Bullets player eyeing a national team debut. The goalkeeper was part of the squad that secured a 4-0 aggregate victory over Comoros in March to advance to this stage of the CHAN competition.
Meanwhile, Chawanangwa Gumbo, Chikumbutso Salima, Lloyd Aaron, Wongani Lungu, and Yankho Singo have all played for the Flames during the preliminary round and will be eager to add more minutes to their international appearances as Malawi faces Bafana Bafana in pursuit of a place in the CHAN finals, scheduled for August in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
