Legendary Madagascar playmaker Dax signs with CFFA

Madagascar national team playmaker Arohasina Andrianarimanana, popularly known as “Dax”, moved to a new club in his country this week.

The 34-year-old signed on to join the Centre de Formation de Football d’Andoharanofotsy (CFFA) and continue his club career in the top flight of Malagasy football, the Pureplay Football League. Dax joined on a one-year contract from previous club Fosa Juniors.

Dax: Madagascar footballing legend

A legend in his nation, Dax’s arrival was greeted with much fanfare in Andoharanofotsy. The club’s owner, also the mayor of the commune that is a suburb of capital city Antananarivo, released a statement hailing the attacking midfielder’s arrival as a replacement for departed star Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa in comments reported by Midi-Madagasikara:

“I had the opportunity to work with Dax when he played for Tana Formation FC. His personality and talent are no strangers to me. For us, he is the ideal player to succeed Lalaina, who went to shine at Paradou FC in Algeria.”

Dax and Lalaina both featured for the Madagascar national team side which reached the final of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) hosted by East Africa last month. The Barea became national heroes with another outstanding run as well as a brave performance in the final against heavy favorites Morocco, coming up just short in a thrilling match.

Dax announced his intentions to help inspire CFFA to a new level: “My objective does not change. “I will always give the best of myself, whether for the club or for the Barea national team.” CFFA, who won their first national championship in 2022, are looking to move back into contention with the arrival of the Malagasy legend who previously represented the likes of South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs and Black Leopards as well as Réunionese giants JS Saint-Pierroise.

The new Pureplay Football League season is set to begin in late October.

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