Malawi starlet Mwisho Mhango signs five-Year deal with Hannover 96

The 18-year-old striker joins from Lilongwe-based academy Ascent Soccer and has committed to a five-year deal with the current league leaders. He becomes only the second Malawian to sign for a German club, following in the footsteps of former Flames forward Dan Chitsulo, who joined Cologne's youth ranks in 2000.

Ascent confirmed the transfer in a statement, explaining that the deal was finalized after Mhango turned 18 last week. Earlier this year, the academy dismissed premature reports linking the youngster with Hannover before the move was officially completed.

Hannover 96 managing director Marcus Mann said the club had been tracking Mhango for some time and were impressed during his two trial spells earlier this year.

"Mwisho is a high-potential player who is comfortable in attacking midfield and brings exciting qualities," Mann told club media, as quoted by Pan African Football.

"We knew after his time with the 96 Academy that we wanted to work with him. Now that he has turned 18, the transfer has become a reality, and we believe he will develop well in the medium term."

The German side has confirmed that Mhango will not be rushed into competitive action. Instead, he will undergo a three-month integration period to adjust to his new environment.

He will live in a boarding school at the 96 Academy, train regularly with the first team, and could be considered for a loan move, as non-EU players are ineligible for the Regionalliga Nord.

Ascent co-founder George Maguire hailed the move as a ground-breaking step for Malawian football, praising Mhango's talent and dedication.

Mhango's reputation soared at the 2025 COSAFA Youth Championship, where he netted five goals in three games, winning both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards.