FAM processing Ngwenya’s dual citizenship

FAM says it has started the process of applying for Scotland-based left-back Kieran Ngwenya’s dual citizenship to enable him play for the Flames.

The Aberdeen defender, who was born to a Malawian father and Caribbean mother, currently holds a British passport.

In an interview yesterday, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary Alfred Gunda said under the Malawi immigration laws, the player qualifies for dual citizenship since he is still a minor.

“Kieran is 18 years-old and that qualifies him for dual citizenship.

“We are currently processing his dual citizenship so that he is available for selection in Sunday’s international friendly against Tanzania,” he said.

According to www.immigration.gov.mw, on Citizenship by Descent [Section 5],  “a child born outside Malawi to one or both of the parents who are Malawi citizens by birth, that child is automatically Malawian and can obtain a Malawi passport provided he is a minor [under 21]”.

On dual citizenship for minors, www.immigration.gov.mw states that: “Any person upon attainment of 21 years of age is a citizen of Malawi who also to his own knowledge is a citizen of some other country shall cease to be a citizen of Malawi on his 22nd birthday.”

Ngwenya’s father comes from Mzimba.

The player accepted to play for his fatherland after being approached by FAM and he arrived in the country at the weekend to join the Flames ahead of the Tanzania friendly.

In a brief statement before his arrival, Ngwenya said: “It is an honour to be given an opportunity to represent the Flames. I am excited to get involved and meet the team.”

Flames coach Meck Mwase said he was excited that Ngwenya accepted the call-up.

“We are happy that discussions with the player’s parents, agent as well as his club went well.

“He is a young player who is playing at top level and his experience will add value to the squad,” he said.