Malawi National Football Team coach Kalisto Pasuwa has explained his decision for snubbing striker Binwell Katinji in his recent callup for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

This comes after the Zimbabwean mentor was criticised for his decision to select FCB Nyasa Big Bullets striker Ephraim Kondowe over Katinji despite his impressive performance in recent matches.

But addressing the media in Lilongwe yesterday, ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Namibia at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) this evening, Pasuwa said he was looking at the bigger picture.

“Remember, we are a new technical panel and we are looking at the 2027 [Afcon]. Looking at the age difference between Ephraim and Binwell, Ephraim is young. I am not saying he is going to play but he is here to learn. It was the same thing I was doing with Washali Jaziya.

“I am not saying Binwell is bad; he is a good player and he gave us what we wanted. In future, we will give him a chance to play,” Pasuwa said.

Katinji, who scored two goals for the Flames during the African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifiers against Comoros at BNS was sent back after reporting for camp on Saturday.

Following the incident, Silver Strikers are demanding a formal apology from Football Association of Malawi (Fam) for torturing the striker.

Katinji reported for camp on Saturday in Lilongwe, where he had supper around 7pm with teammates but was told to leave camp an hour later.

Silver Chief Executive Officer Patrick Chimimba said Fam had not responded to them as of Wednesday.

“We are still waiting for the feedback,” Chimimba said.