U-23 star off to Spain for trials

A window of opportunity has opened up for Malawi Under-23 national football team midfielder Lovemore Mbeta who has been invited for trials at Spanish Segunda Division outfit CF Velez.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder left for Spain yesterday.

 Ascent Soccer Academy founder George Maguire said in an interview that he is confident that the attacking midfielder, 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, will be successful.

He said: “Lovemore is a highly creative midfielder, who has consistently shown product in both creating and scoring goals.

“He deserves this opportunity to further his career in Europe and it’s down to him now, to show his talent, coupled with a professional attitude to impress in Spain.

“This opportunity is the first of several overseas training placements and trials we are exploring as we search for opportunities for our top academy players to help drive the quality of  the next generation of Malawian players forward.”

Vélez Club de Fútbol is based in Vélez-Málaga in the autonomous community of Andalusia.

 Founded on  September 22 1922, it plays in Segunda División RFEF–Group 4.

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

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

Ascent Soccer director Thom Nkorongo said he is proud of his players for continuing to shine at international level.

He said: “This shows that we are making great progress in grooming talent at Ascent Soccer.”