Malawian Petro embraces positional challenge in Romanian league

Malawian international Charles Petro has embraced the challenge of playing in multiple positions for Romanian SuperLiga (Liga I) leaders FC Botosani and country.

The 24-year-old showed his versatility when he picked his second man-of-the match accolade of the 2025-2026 season after scoring in a 2-0 victory over FC Hermannstadt on Monday.

Ukrainian forward Mykola Kovtalyuk gave the hosts the lead in the 18th minute before the Malawian ensured the victory with the second goal.

Speaking in an interview with Pan-African Football, the former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets defender said he was excited to earn the award.

“This is my second man of the match,” Petro said. “I received a similar recognition while playing as a centre back, and now I have received this award while playing as a number six.

“I feel comfortable playing in any position that the coach asks me to play. It really doesn’t matter whether I am playing in defence or midfield. I do not think my height is an issue either. I can fit anywhere,” he said.

How Charles Petro has come a long way in Europe

Petro is now in his sixth season in the Eastern European country, where he plays as either a central defender or a defensive midfielder like on Monday.

The Flames star arrived in Europe in 2021 to sign for FC Sheriff Tiraspol in the Moldova Super League from Bullets. Eventually, Petro secured a transfer to Botosani in the 2023 season. He is arguably the only Malawian footballer playing for a top-flight league team in Europe.

Botosani will shift their attention to the Romanian Cup on Thursday when they host Farul Constanta to begin the group stage of the competition.

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