Joseph Kamwendo announces his retirement

…to concentrate on coaching career…

Former Be Forward Wanderers and Flames captain Joseph Kamwendo has announced his retirement from playing football, Malawi24 can reveal.

Kamwendo, who joined Wanderers between 2001 and 2002 seasons, made the announcement on Monday, a day after his team missed out on the TNM Super League with just a point to rivals Nyasa Big Bullets.

The maestro midfielder, who left Wanderers for CAPS United of Zimbabwe, where he became the first foreign based player to win the player of the season award, made the announcement through Wanderers’ official Facebook page.

“After incredible years at Wanderers, I have decided that now is the right time to finish my career as a footballer.”

“Whilst I have received a number of exciting offers to continue playing at home, I feel now is the time to begin the next chapter of my life.”

“I am immensely proud of the trophies I have won, of representing my lovely team and scoring more goals for them'” reads part of the statement.

He further paid tribute to people who have been supporting him since he started his career.

“I have many people to thank. I thank my parents for instilling in me the values of hard work, dedication and professionalism, values which I have carried with me in everything that I do.

“Of course, the largest part of my heart belongs to Be Forward Wanderers Football Club, a club which has given me so many great memories. I will never forget the opportunity they gave me and the success that we managed to achieve together,” continued the statement.

The former Orlando Pirates midfielder will play his final match for Wanderers on Sunday when they will take on Bullets in a friendly match.

“I was lucky to play alongside some great players and under some fantastic Coaches during my time at Lali-Lubani Road and would like to thank each and every one of them, as well as all the backroom staff at the club throughout my time there for the fantastic support they showed me.

“I also would like to thank all Nyerere supporters for their support and I urge them to support young ones at the club. They have the heart and dedication all what they need is our support and I feel this is the right time for me to give them support not to compete for places with them. Once a Nomad, always one. See you in Kasungu on Sunday where I will represent my club against Bullets for the last time,” reads the statement.

Kamwendo, who played for CAPS United in 2005 where he won the league, moved to Denmark where he joined Nordsjaelland and played for one season.

He returned to Malawi after one season in Denmark and rejoined Wanderers for one season before being signed by Pirates where he was nicknamed ‘Shakira’ and won Telkom Knockout Cup, Vodacom Super Challenge Cup and the Charity Shield.

He was loaned to Vasco da Gama in 2010 but his stay in South Africa was cut short as he was forced to return to Malawi. He rejoined Wanderers where he played for two seasons.

In 2013, Kamwendo was signed by a Mozambican club and after having a successful season, he got signed by TP Mazembe where he won three league titles before being loaned to CS Don Bosco.

After completing his loan season at Bosco, Kamwendo was back in Malawi and he joined Wanderers for the fourth time and eventually played for the club till the day he announced his retirement.

With Nomads, Kamwendo won the league title and several cup competitions.

He had 117 Caps for the national team where he captained the Flames for four years.

He is now coaching Walter Nyamilandu Football Academy.