Making waves at top Austrian & Icelandic clubs

Ascent Soccer’s Mwisho Mhango and Hermas Masinja spent two successful weeks at Iceland’s Breidablik Football Club, and they continue to grab the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs.

On Monday, Mhango (U17) and Masinja (U18) started a training placement and trial with SK Sturm Graz, the 2023-24 Austrian Bundesliga champions, who slipped past Red Bull Salzburg to claim the title and earn their UEFA Champions League slot.

Fullback/midfielder Masinja and midfielder/winger Mhango have had no trouble keeping up with the speed of play and have shown that they have the tools to earn a long-term professional opportunity in Europe.

“The feedback on Mwisho and Hermas during their time in Iceland was very positive and Breidablik have already expressed their interest in having them back again later this year,” explained academy co-founder George Maguire. “And, this trial in Austria with Sturm Graz  is another big chance for the boys at a Champions League club, and the kind of challenge they need to grow as players and truly learn what it takes to earn their way into international professional football.”

Along with their daily training and strength and conditioning program at Sturm Graz, the Ascent Soccer players will also have a chance to compete in a trio of pre-season friendlies. 

Along with helping the Malawi U20s win the 4 Nations Tournament in March, both Mhango and Masinja have been anchors of the U17 squad. Mhango was called up to the U17 team at just 14 and at a recent COSAFA Championship, was named to the Tournament XI – leading the squad with a goal and three assists.

Since 2018 Ascent Soccer, Malawi’s only full time residential football academy program, has produced over 30 youth and senior internationals, has 7 graduates playing in Malawi’s top professional league and 8 graduates on athlete scholarships in the USA and Canada.