Malawian teen charms Liverpool
Media spotlight has descended on Leeds United’s Malawian youngster Henri Kumwenda, whose exploits have attracted English Premier League giants Liverpool.
According to a number of publications, including www.football insider.com, www.lfc.net, footballleagueworld.co.uk and www.rousingthekop.com, the unbeaten Premier League leaders and current Uefa Champions League holders have set their sights on the blossoming 18-year-old attacker.
The reports indicate that the Leeds Under-18 side star went to England when he was four-years-old and has been at the Elland Road club since the age of 11.
He is currently making a name for himself in Mark Jackson’s Under-18s at the West Yorkshire club.
Leeds currently play in the Championship, the second tier of the English Football and are second to West Brom Albion.
“Kumwenda has been a regular in Jackson’s side this season, carrying on his good form from last season. He’s a strong running forward and has been amongst the goal scorers, including this penalty which saw the young Whites through in the FA Youth Cup by beating their young Sheffield Wednesday counterparts 5-4 on penalties after extra-time,” reads part of The Football Insider’s report.
According to Football Insider, the Reds are keeping close tabs on the form of the 18-year-old forward, and are also monitoring his contract situation at Elland Road.
While www.caughtoffside.com reported that: “Liverpool are [reportedly] considering a transfer swoop for versatile Leeds United youngster Henri Kumwenda after scouting the player.”
Kumwenda was not available for comment.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu said they are following “the Malawian whizz-kid that has attracted the attention of Liverpool”.
He said: “We are following the developments with keen interest and we are also trying to establish more details to see if he is willing to play for his home country Malawi.”
The FAM president said they have also received reports about several talented young Malawians in the United Kingdom that are playing professional football
“We are working with a correspondent in the UK to compile a list of these players so that we can approach them for further assessment.
“Our intention is to capitalise on the window of opportunity that has presented itself through dual nationality so that we can strengthen our national teams with talented players in diaspora,” said Nyamilandu.
Flames legend Ernest ‘Wire’ Mtawali, who played in the top-flight leagues in France and Argentina, commended the move, saying it could help strengthen the national team.
“It’s good to hear about Malawian youngsters doing well at youth level in the UK and it would be good to consider them for national teams. In fact, that is what is happening elsewhere, especially in West Africa. We need to take advantage of that because the Europe-based players are well exposed,” he said.
