Kanyenda now a Nomad
Battle-hardened forward Esau Kanyenda has started a new lease of life at Lali Lubani Road in Blantyre having sealed a one-year deal with Be Forward Wanderers.
After weeks of negotiations, the veteran forward—who has played top-level football for close to a decade—put pen to paper yesterday and immediately got down to business by reporting for his first training session at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre.
The Nomads team manager Stevie Madeira and Kanyenda confirmed sealing the deal yesterday.
Said Madeira: “Yes, it is a done deal! As a club, we are excited to sign a celebrated striker of his class and his experience will add value to the team as we strive to win the TNM Super League title.
“He will also be an inspiration to other up-and-coming players who have a lot to learn from him.”
However, the Nomads team manager said Kanyenda will not be available for this afternoon’s Carlsberg Cup quarter-final qualifying match against Mafco FC in Balaka.
On his part, Kanyenda said he is excited to join an ambitious and big team such as Wanderers.
“They are not only one of the biggest teams on the local scene, but they are also a desirous side and I am proud to become part of such an ambitious squad,” he said.
The veteran forward, 35, has signed as a free agent following the expiry of his contract with South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit Polokwane City.
The decorated forward has been plying his trade abroad for the past 16 years having made a breakthrough after signing for a PSL side Jomo Cosmos from Dwasco (now Dwangwa United) in 2001.
He became an instant hit at Cosmos where he missed the Golden Boot award by a whisker the following year when he finished second.
Kanyenda was also named 2002 Cosafa Cup Player of the Series after inspiring the Flames to the finals. He clinched a deal with Russian top league outfit FC Rostov the following year.
The striker also had a stint with Russian giants Lokomotiv Moscow between 2005 and 2007 where he became the first Malawian to play in the Uefa Champions League. He also had a short spell with Danish lower league side B93.
Meanwhile, gifted winger Isaac ‘Tcheya’ Kaliati has started training with the Nomads following failure of his deal with South African Team Cape Town City.
However, Madeira said there is nothing concrete yet. n
