Football experts say the pattern of Malawian players exiting foreign clubs prematurely, despite signing long-term deals, reflects deeper structural challenges within the game.
A recent example is Malawi national team defensive midfielder Lloyd “Banega” Aaron, who left FCB Nyasa Big Bullets for Qatari side Muaither Sports Club on a three-year contract, only for the arrangement to end seven months later.
The termination came despite Aaron featuring in all seven of Muaither’s Qatar Second Division matches during his stay.
He registered an assist in a 3–1 victory over Al-Bidda SC on 4 November 2025 and received just one yellow card during a 1–0 win against Al-Waab SC on 28 August 2025.
Aaron’s experience is not isolated.
Midfielder Muhamad Sulumba has also endured a series of brief foreign stints since 2023.
After leaving Mighty Wanderers, Sulumba moved to Al-Muharraq in Bahrain before joining Kuwait’s Al-Sulaibikhat, only to return to Wanderers within a short period.
Khuda Muyaba’s recent career path further illustrates the volatility facing Malawian players abroad. Between 2023 and 2025, the striker was registered with six clubs across four countries: Syria, South Africa, Jordan, and Zimbabwe.
His movements included spells at Tishreen SC, Polokwane City, Richards Bay and Ma’an SC, as well as a period without a club, before his most recent move to Scottland FC in Zimbabwe, where he was also released.
Football administrator Kondi Msungama said Malawian players are often taken for granted due to weak player management structures that fail to adequately scrutinise contractual agreements.
“The club and the agent handling the transfer are often in a hurry, and the player ends up sidelined. The root cause of the problems our players face is that they are managed by people who lack a proper understanding of the game,” Msungama said.
Former Flames coach Kinnah Phiri attributed some premature exits to challenges in maintaining professional discipline while playing abroad, which he said can negatively affect performance.
“Most players fail to shine because of lifestyle choices, not because they lack ability. Performance is affected by poor off-field habits,” Phiri said.
Former Bullets player and football pundit Chimango Kayira said technical changes within clubs also play a role, while some players struggle to adapt due to limited tactical understanding and self-confidence.
“If you are not quick enough to learn and apply what is required, you risk being sidelined. Coaches work under pressure and targets; if they do not perform, they are replaced, often by others who may not have you in their plans,” Kayira said.
At the moment, the Malawi 2026 transfer window is expected to officially open in February, immediately after the conclusion of the Castel Challenge Cup.
