Malawi’s Ascent Academy climaxed its tour of South Africa with a resounding 3-0 thrashing of Mamelodi Sundowns Under-17 team on Monday.
MacDonald Chiwanda’s brace and Levison Mnyenyembe’s strike sealed the win over Sundowns for the Lilongwe-based academy in Johannesburg.
Ascent also played another friendly against Highlands Park Junior later on Monday.
The second strength-testing match ended one-all, according to a statement from Ascent.
“An honor for us to test ourselves against one of the continent’s pre-eminent clubs, with 12 PSL titles and a CAF Champions League to their name. Well done boys!,” Ascent said in a brief statement.
FIRST INTERNATIONAL OUTING
Ascent arrived in South Africa last week with a 15-member squad in what is their first international outing.
Earlier, Ascent have also played other games, drawing two-all with SuperSport United Under-17.
The Malawians will also take on Randburg FC to wrap up the tour of Johannesburg.
Ascent have since said the tour of South Africa was meant to give the players international football experience.
“For many players making the trip, the tour represents their first trip abroad and a chance to experience a new culture, build life skills, and challenge themselves against top players,” reads a statement from the club.
It has been a wonderful week for Ascent as the academy won the Best Executed Development Programme award during Malawi Sport Award gala held in Lilongwe on Friday.
ASCENT DIRECTOR GEORGE MAGUIRE’S AWARD
To cap it all, Ascent Co-Director George Maguire was named the best Non-Citizen of the Year sports personality for the second time.
The award is given to non-Malawians who have contributed to sports development in the country.
Malawi National Council of Sports hosts the annual awards which are recognized by the government.
Ascent has produced players such as Chris Gototo who is on the books of Malawi top-flight league side Blue Eagles and Sunganani Geoffrey for Sable Farming FC.
The Lilongwe academy has also exported talent such as Edna Macuacua and Geoffrey Ogenrwot.
