Zimbabwe club renews interest in Malawi

Zimbabwean top club Caps United have renewed interest in Malawi talent with a move to sign a midfielder and a striker.

Caps United signed Joseph Kamwendo from Mighty Wanderers in 2004 and he became the first foreigner to be crowned Zimbabwean footballer of the year the following year.

United director Twine Phiri, who is in the country on a private visit, said on Sunday he is hunting for a striker and midfielder.

“A number of names have already been thrown into fray, but I am consulting relevant people to see if we can get two good players,” said Phiri who has Malawian roots.

While Phiri could not be drawn to disclose the players he is targeting, it is reported on the grapevine that some of the players put forward for consideration include Gerald Phiri Jar (Mighty Wanderers), Gabadinho Mhango (Big Bullets), Mecum Mhone and Phillip Masiye (Blue Eagles).

Phiri was expected to watch Sunday’s Blantyre derby between Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers at Kamuzu Stadium.

Asked if there are possibilities of renewing the relationship with Kamwendo, Phiri said: “Joseph has always been part of the Caps United family. I hear he is doing well, so we would not mind taking him back on board.

“But the thing is, I have not spoken to him yet, neither have I spoken to his club.”

Caps provided Kamwendo the platform to sign for top Danish side FC Nordsjaelland after an impressive season with ‘Makepekepe’ in 2005.

Apart from Kamwendo, other notable Malawians who played for Caps were Gift Makoloni and George Martin. 

The late Frank ‘Burruchaga’ Mtawali and John ‘CJ’ Banda also had stints with another Zimbabwean top club, Dynamos.