Malawi: Captain Chaziya in emotional farewell with champions Wanderers

Former Malawi national team defender Lawrence Chaziya has announced his departure from newly-crowned champions Mighty Wanderers FC. The outgoing captain spent three seasons with the Blantyre-based club.

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) defender has parted ways with the Blantyre-based giants a month after leading them to the Super League title for the first time since 2017.

Despite being the captain, the 27-year-old largely watched proceedings from the substitutes’ bench last season. He only made occasional appearances when there were injuries to centre-backs such as Emmanuel Nyirenda and Peter Cholopi.

How Chaziya lost his Malawi national team place

Such irregular action cost him his place in the Flames’ squad.

It has, therefore, come as a little surprise that Chaziya, Malawi’s sweeper at the 2021 AFCON finals in Cameroon, has opted to look for greener pastures elsewhere.

Unconfirmed reports have linked the player with a move to former Zimbabwe Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Simba Bhora FC.

Taking to his Facebook page, the towering defender posted a farewell message and his picture captured at an airport seemingly flying out on Thursday.

Where is Chaziya likely to go?

In the message, the former Civo United star, who has 15 caps and two goals, reflected on only the good times he had at Wanderers.

“To the coaches at Mighty Wanderers FC, thank you for believing in me, for pushing me when I needed it most, and for demanding the very best version of me every single day,” Chaziya wrote.

“You didn’t just shape me into a better player, you taught me discipline, resilience, and what it truly means to fight for the team. The lessons you’ve given me will stay with me wherever my journey leads.”

In an earlier statement, Wanderers confirmed the departure of the skipper, and thanked him for his dedication and commitment to the cause of the reigning champions. Under Chaziya’s leadership, the Nomads also grabbed the 2024 Castel Challenge Cup.