Malawi women football captain undergoing trials in Austria
Malawi women national football team robust skipper Chisomo Kadzisonga is undergoing three-week trials at Austrian Women’s Bundesliga champions, NOSV Neulengbach, hoping to join sole compatriot in Europe, Tabitha Chawinga.
The 29-year-old defender—who is also studying Sports Science at Vienna University—confirmed from the Austrian capital yesterday.
Kadzisonga said she was determined to impress the top league team which also campaigns in the Uefa Women’s Football Champions League.
“The trials are progressing well and I rate chances of passing at 70 to 75 percent. The team is full of stars from other countries [such as Ghanain Janet Owusu] and I need to prove to the trainer that I am also a star,” she explained.
A friend brokered the, which were initially scheduled for January, but delayed due to visa processes at Austrian Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, she added.
Kadzisonga played for Zimbabwean side Conduit Soccer Academy (Cosa) after transferring from Lilongwe top league side Skippers Senior FC with whom she rejoined on loan last year when the Zimbabwe season was on break.
“I came back from Zimbabwe before the contract finished. I was loaned for six months to Skippers FC. I requested for a release because I had to do some basic lessons for Deutsch in Malawi,” she explained.
Kadzisonga has played for the Malawi team alongside Sweden-based Chawinga who is a big hit in the Scandinavian country after winning the 2014 Golden Boot Award with 39 goals in 18 outings.
Skippers’ manager Charles Mwenda yesterday confirmed that an Austrian, who is a friend to the Lilongwe team’s other player Linda Kasonda, paved the way for the trials.
“She spent three months in Kenya waiting for the visa,” explained Mwenda.
“She has gone to do a bachelors’ degree and will combine with the trials. At the university, she will learn their language until September, before the actual course. She is the longest serving national team captain and among pioneer players for DD Sunshine.”
The Austrian Women’s Bundesliga comprises 10 teams with FSK St Polten-Spratzern leading on 34 points from 12 games whereas Neulengbach are second at 27 points. ASK Erlaa anchor the table.
