PSL’s decorated defender Limbikani Mzava clinches deal in Asia

South Africa’s Betway Premiership’s decorated defender Limbikani Mzava has secured a move to a top Asian club months after being rendered a free agent.

The Malawian received a career life-line early last season when coach Clinton Larsen plucked him from what seemed an early retirement to sign for Magesi FC.

Mzava’s experience proved handy as the 2024 Betway Premiership rookies pulled a coup to win their first major trophy in the elite league of South Africa.

The former Lamontville Golden Arrows star was a vital cog in Magesi’s defence as they stunned Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 to win the 2024 Carling Black Label last November.

However, Larsen and his wards failed spectacularly to transfer the cup form into the Betway Premiership, a factor that cost the coach his job.

The exit of the former Bloemfontein Celtic mentor also marked the end of Mzava’s romance with Magesi. Then new coach Owen Da Gama axed the former Flames captain alongside other players in January this year.

Now the Carling Black Label Cup-winner exclusively told Pan-Africa Football on Tuesday that he had signed for Malaysian Super League side, Penang FC.

“I have signed a one-year contract, and I am really excited,” Mzava said.

The Panthers, as Penang are also called, have since welcomed the signing of the Malawian, saying he is the sort of a defender they have been looking for.

“Say hello! to Limbikani Oscar Mzava, the commanding centre-back ready to anchor the Panthers’ defence with strength and authority! Wearing jersey number 5, Mzava brings grit, aerial power, and natural leadership just what Penang FC needs to tighten things up at the back! Defenders win games too and this one is built to dominate! Let’s give him a proud Penang welcome!” the club’s statement reads.

Penang competes in the Malaysian Super League and were established in 1921. The club has won silverware such as the Malaysia FA Cup.

Full Name: Limbikani Mzava

Nickname: Pupa

Born: 12 Nov 1993

Place of birth: Blantyre, Malawi

Height: 1.90m

Weight: 75kg

Nationality: Malawian

Position: Central defender

Previous clubs: Mpumalanga Black Aces, Bloemfontein Celtic, Golden Arrows, AmaZulu, Magesi FC

Caps: 94

Favourite food: Pap and beef

Favourite int. club: Manchester United

Favourite int. player: Rio Ferdinand

Favourite colour: Green

Favourite movie: The Departed

Favourite car: BMW