Malawian starlet Mhango signs for Germany’s Hannover 96

After months of speculation, Malawi under-20 football team’s red-hot striker Mwisho Mhango has finally signed for German side Hannover 96. He has joined from Malawi’s Ascent Soccer.

The 18-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Bundesliga 2 side. He becomes the second Malawian ever to sign for a Germany club. Former Flames striker Dan Chitsulo blazed the trail when he joined Cologne FC’s youth team in 2000.

Ein erster Gruß von Mwisho #Mhango. 😊#H96 #NiemalsAllein ⚫️⚪️💚 pic.twitter.com/GM0adLhgJv

— Hannover 96 (@Hannover96) September 26, 2025

In a statement, Ascent announced that the young striker has completed his widely speculated transfer to the Bundesliga 2 log leaders after turning 18 years last week. The Lilongwe-based academy earlier released a statement dismissing reports that Hannover had signed the youngster.

What Hannover 96 MD said about Mwisho Mhango

Hannover 96 managing director Marcus Mann says Mhango impressed them during two extended training placements earlier this year.

“Mwisho is a high-potential player who is at home in attacking midfield and brings very exciting qualities to the position,” Mann told her club’s media.

“We became aware of him some time ago and had him on trial with the 96 Academy for a few weeks in the spring, after which we said we would like to work with him. With his 18th birthday, the transfer has now become a reality. We believe he will develop well in the medium term.”

Will Mwisho Mhango be thrown straight into Bundesliga 2 action?

The statement says Mhango will not be thrown straight into action, but rather undergo a three-month integration phase to adjust to his new surroundings.

“Mwisho is still a very young player,” Mann added. “We’ll let him settle in Hannover calmly and then see what’s best for him and his development in the winter. For now, we’re just happy he’s with us.”

The Malawian will live in a boarding school at the 96 Academy and primarily participate in training sessions with the professional team.

The Junior Flames attacker is only expected to feature for Hannover’s main team next year.

As a non-European Union player, he is not eligible to play for the Under-23 team in the Regionalliga Nord for Germany. In view of this, Hannover have not ruled out a possible loan move for the Malawian.

What Ascent co-founder George Maguire said about the youngster

Ascent co-founder George Maguire has since lauded Mhango as one of the emerging talents for Malawi football.

“This is a ground breaking move for Mwisho. Mwisho’s talent and determination, combined with our full-time immersion and the efforts of our staff, on and off the pitch, have made this opportunity possible. This is a shining example of what can happen when you invest deeply in the talent and promise of Malawi’s youth. There’s no doubt the talent is here. We see it in our next generation of boys and girls. They simply need to be identified, nurtured and in a high-demand football, education and character environment to realize that potential.”

Mhango shone brightly at the 2025 COSAFA Youth Championship scoring five goals in three games for Malawi who reached the final. He won the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards.