Former Flames captain Limbikani Mzava has signed a one-year deal with Malaysian Super League side Penang FC, ending a 14-year romance with the South African top-flight football league.
The lanky defender, who turns 32 in November, said in an interview yesterday that he is delighted to start a new lease of life in Asia.
He said: “It is a new chapter in my career, having played professional football in South Africa for the better part of my career.
“I am hoping that my move will help open the doors for more Malawian players. It’s a new challenge and I am ready.”
Mzava’s last club in South Africa was Magesi FC where he spent six months before a mutual termination of his contract in January this year.
He said his new deal has an option for extension.
According to the club’s history, Penang FC is based in George Town and is one of the top clubs in Malaysia.
It boasts three Malaysia Super League titles, one Premier League title, four Malaysia Cups and five Football Association of Malaysia cups.
It is currently one of the 12 teams competing in the Malaysian Super League and it was the first Malaysian team to win an Asian title.
Mzava went to South Africa in 2011 when he joined Bloemfontein Celtic from the now defunct local club Escom United.
He also played for Mpumalanga Black Aces, Lomontville Golden Arrows, Highland Park and AmaZulu.
Former Flames coach Ernest Mtawali said Mzava still has what it takes to play at the top level.
“His has a high workrate, very discplined and looks after himself well,” he said.
