Mtawali in passport dilemma

By Aubrey Sumbuleta
BBC Sport, Blantyre

Mtawali also holds South African citizenship

The international future of Malawi midfielder Ernest Mtawali hangs in the balance as a result of a passport dispute.

In contravention of Malawian law forbidding dual nationality, Mtawali also holds a South African passport.

This stopped him from playing in the national team's last World Cup qualifier against Morocco, as his Malawian passport expired a year ago and the immigration authorities have refused to issue him with a new document.

Malawi secured a 1-1 draw in the Group Five qualifier on 5 June.

We asked Mr Mtawali to renounce his South African citizenship Bryson Bendala, Malawi immigration official

Mtawali made his debut for Malawi almost 21 years ago but has been resident in South Africa for the last seven years and currently plays for Ajax Cape Town.

Bryson Bendala, public relations officer for the immigration department, told BBC Sport that his organisation is only adhering to the country's laws.

"We asked Mr Mtawali to renounce his South African citizenship for us to issue him with a new Malawian passport but he refused," he said.

"We know he is our football hero but it must be understood here that we are only following the law."

Bendala said the chief immigration officer has got a final say on the issuing of passports in Malawi.

But David Kambilonje, the holder of the post, is attending a meeting of the regional trading block of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) in Uganda and will only return to the country at the weekend.

MacCollins Chibvunde, a Football Association of Malawi spokesperson, told BBC Sport his body hopes to find a solution that will allow Mtawali return to the team.

"This is a critical time when we need his experience and guidance," he said.

"We cannot afford to lose him."