The Ascent Soccer duo of Precious Kapunda (19) and Levison Munyenyembe (18) has joined Iceland second-tier side UMF Afturelding on a season-long loan contract following successful pre-season trials.
The two players will be eligible to play for both the Under-19 and first team this season.
Ascent founder George Maguire said by signing for the club, the two players will have an opportunity to hone skills in Europe.
“This is a next level opportunity for our academy players and we are delighted that they have got a year in Europe to hone their skills and, if successful, earn the opportunity for a bigger move.
“We have a number of players, both male and female, in the pipeline, players who will be given European opportunities this year and we are excited to see academy players putting Malawian football on the map overseas,” Maguire said.
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Munyenyembe (18) from Mzuzu is a quick, tenacious winger and forward with an eye for the goal.
Kapunda (19) from Blantyre is a central midfielder with an exceptional range of passing.
Both players joined Ascent Soccer as 12-year-olds and were instrumental in the 2022 unbeaten tour of South Africa, where Ascent Soccer beat Mamelodi Sundowns U-17 3-0.
Ascent Soccer’s operations director Thom Mkolongo was excited that the players have clinched deals in Europe.
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“It is exciting to see them earning this opportunity and they need to work hard and be disciplined throughout this season,” Mkolongo said.
Last summer, Ascent Soccer U-16 went unbeaten and lifted the Rey Cup in Iceland, beating English League one academy side Fleetwood Town 3-0 in the process.
Since 2018, Ascent Soccer, Malawi’s only full-time residential football academy programme, has produced over 30 youth and senior internationals.
In addition, Ascent have seven graduates playing in the Super League, notably Christopher Gototo at Silver Strikers while Festus Duwe and Lovemore Mbeta are at Civil Service United.
Eight players are on athlete scholarships in the United States.
Female players Rose Kabzere and Letica Chinyaluma have both been nominated this month for the Female Emerging Talent award at the Cosafa awards held in Durban, South Africa.
The Ascent Under-20 female side is preparing for their Fam National Championship campaign.
