Spanish side extends Under-23 starlet’s trials

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pain’s Segunda Division outfit CF Velez has extended trials for Malawi Under-23 attacking midfielder Lovemore Mbeta.

This follows the player’s impressive performance in the initial two-week trials.

The 19-year-old left for Spain two weeks ago and Ascent Soccer founder, George Maguire said in an interview that the club wants to have another look at him.

He said: “Mbeta in July joined CF Velez, based close to Malaga for their preseason preparations and has featured in training and friendly games.

“Following a week of acclimatising and adapting to the Spanish style of play, Mbeta grew into the second week of the trials, training well and catching the eye in a friendly game against El Palo FC on Wednesday.”

Maguire said Mbeta, who also had a successful training placement with South Africa DStv Premiership side Stellenbosch FC last year and has represented Malawi at both Under-17 and Under-23 levels, stands a chance to be signed if he continues to impress.

He  said: “We are supporting him with advice and guidance to give him the best chance of success. His continued involvement is a source of inspiration for the younger players in the academy.”

Vélez Club de Fútbol  was founded on September 22 1922 and plays in Segunda División RFEF– Group 4, holding home matches at 2 100 seater Estadio Vivar Tellez.

Ascent Soccer, Malawi’s only full-time residential football academy, recruited Mbeta as a 12-year-old in 2015.

He has emerged as one of academy’s the best first generation alongside free-scoring Christopher Gototo on loan at Blue Eagles after another loan spell at Sable Farming and fellow Under-23 international Festus Duwe, who is set to join Iowa Lakes College (USA) on a full soccer scholarship.

Ascent Soccer director Thom Nkorongo said he is proud that the academy’s players continue to leave a mark at local and international levels.