Malawi Under-20 National Football Team breakout star Mwisho Mhango has embarked on a three-month integration programme at German Bundesliga 2 side Hannover 96.
The Lilongwe-based Ascent Soccer Academy graduate, who joined the club after turning 18, will live in the 96 Academy boarding school while training with the professional team, according to the club’s managing director Marcus Mann.
After the integration process, Mhango could be considered for first-team action from January 2026.
However, as a non-European Union player, he is ineligible to feature for the club’s Under-23 side in the Regionalliga Nord.
Mann said in an interview: “Mwisho is still a very young player. We’ll let him settle in Hannover calmly and then see what’s best for him and his development in the winter. For now, we’re just happy he is with us.”
The teenager first caught Hannover’s attention during Ascent Soccer Academy’s overseas camp.
Said Mann: “We became aware of him some time ago and had him on trial with the 96 Academy for a few weeks in the spring, after which we said we would like to work with him.
“With his 18th birthday, the transfer has now become a reality. We believe he will develop well in the medium term.
“He is a high-potential player who is at home in attacking midfield and brings very exciting qualities to the position.”
Mhango’s rise to prominence came at the Cosafa Under-20 Championship in South Africa, where he led Malawi to the semi-finals. He scored five goals, winning both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards. His performances attracted interest from several foreign clubs before Hannover sealed the deal.
Ascent Soccer co-founder George Maguire hailed the move as a milestone for both the player and Malawian football.
He said: “This is a ground breaking move for Mwisho, Malawi, Ascent Soccer and all of Southeast Africa. His talent and determination, combined with our full-time immersion and the efforts of our staff, on and off the pitch, have made this opportunity possible.
“This is a shining example of what can happen when you invest deeply in the talent and promise of Malawi’s youth. There’s no doubt the talent is here.
“We see it in our next generation of boys and girls. They simply need to be identified, nurtured in a high-demand football, education and character environment to realise that potential.”
For Mhango, the dream of playing in Europe has now become reality.
“I’ve always dreamed of coming to Europe to play football. I’ve worked hard for this goal over the past few years,” he said. “I know I’m making my family and the people who have accompanied me on my journey.
“But I also know that this is just the beginning and my journey in professional football is just beginning. I’ve been in contact with several clubs, but with 96, I had by far the best feeling. I’m very grateful and happy to be here.”
