Malawian brothers in Nottingham Forest setup

Two brothers of Malawian origin—Yewo and Themba Nyirenda—are  playing for English Championship side Nottingham Forest’s youth teams.

Yewo, 15, was born in Malawi ,but grew up in England and plays as a striker or midfielder while 11-year-old Themba, was born in England. The brothers are eligible to play for either England or Malawi.

The Flames do not have players in the top footballing countries with most of its foreign-based players plying their trade in lowly-ranked countries such as Mozambique.

According to their father, Mathews Nyirenda, who is based in England, Yewo played for a few clubs before impressing Forest scouts three years ago.

“Yewo started playing football in Division Six of the Young Elizabethan League when he was eight. He was top scorer for his age groups for two seasons and in one season he was the top goal scorer across all divisions within the league,” he said.

Nyirenda said Yewo was making good progress: “He has had the opportunity to play for older age groups like the Under-17s and Under-18s.”

In a response to a questionnaire, Themba said he wants to earn a living from football.

“Growing up, I watched players like Didier Drogba, Brazilian Ronaldo and Thiery Henry because they are some of the best strikers in the world. My aspiration is to become a professional footballer,” he said.

Themba, who plays in defence and midfield, launched his career at nine in Division Five of the Young Elizabethan League, his father said.

“Known as a tough tackler and good at free kicks, his coach recommended him to Nottingham Forest where he underwent trials and was successful and was offered a one-year contract,” Nyirenda said.

On his part, Themba also wants to play at the highest level: “I want to become a professional footballer.”

FAM vice-president James Mwenda said they have deep interest in footballers whose parents are in diaspora.

But he said their success in the hunt for such talent is mostly hampered by their parents’ unwillingness to commit their children to the national teams.

English Premiership champions Manchester City also signed a nine-year-old Malawian Theophilus Chimpango in their Under-nine side.

Tamika Mkandawire, born in Malawi, played for West Bromwich Albion, Lyton Orient and Millwall in England but failed to play for the Flames