Faith signs with Swedish league leader BK Häcken

Ascent Soccer's Faith Chinzimu has officially made the move to Europe, landing with first-place Swedish club BK Häcken.

The elusive 18-year-old Malawian midfielder becomes the second Ascent female graduate, in less than a year, to transfer directly to a top-tier international side -- following in the footsteps of Rose Kadzere, who joined France's Montpellier HSC in October.

“I am so excited and grateful for this great opportunity," shared Faith. “Ascent Soccer did so much for me to make this next step. I also thank everyone who has supported me on this journey. I am ready to work hard, learn from my new teammates and contribute to the success of my new club.”

Already a full senior international since the age of 16, Faith brings athleticism, technical tools and growth mindset that will serve her well at BK Häcken, where titles are always top of mind. The well-decorated Swedish club has competed in five straight European Women's Champions League's, making it all the way to the quarterfinals in 2024 before falling to French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Ascent co-founder George Maguire shared that Faith's move to the Gothenburg-based club marks another significant milestone for both the player and Ascent Soccer.
“We are incredibly proud of Faith and her journey. Her transfer to BK Häcken is a testament to her talent, her resilience and the strength of staff and program."

Faith was a member of Ascent's senior girls academy squad that became the first youth side to earn a place in international Champions League qualifying, while also scoring eight times at Iceland's 2024 Rey Cup. That performance included goals against Bayern Munich, Brighton & Hove Albion and a highlight reel end-to-end effort versus Arsenal. 

For her country, Faith notched seven goals in four appearances at the U17 level and has already been on the scoresheet twice in 10 appearances for Malawi's senior women's squad.