Joseph Kamwendo: The deft left-footed creator Malawi Is still searching for

Joseph Kamwendo’s illustrious 16-year career took him across continents and through the corridors of football history. The talented left-footed midfielder had five stints with Mighty Wanderers and played for renowned clubs including CAPS United in Zimbabwe, FC Nordsjælland in Denmark, Orlando Pirates in South Africa, TP Mazembe, Don Bosco in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liga Desportiva de Maputo, and Vasco da Gama (now Stellenbosch).

His journey as both player and leader left an indelible mark on every club he represented.

Kamwendo’s impact extended far beyond club football through his remarkable 13-year international career with the Malawi National Team. Making his debut on August 16, 2003, at the COSAFA Cup, he served the Flames until his retirement in 2017.

In 104 appearances wearing Malawi’s colors, he was a starter in 100 games, coming off the bench only four times—a testament to his consistency and importance to the team.

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His international portfolio reads like a comprehensive football encyclopedia: 26 World Cup Qualifiers, 24 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, 23 friendly matches, 13 COSAFA Cup games, 12 CECAFA Cup games, 3 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, 1 African Championship match, and 2 matches in other tournaments. This journey remains one he continues to cherish.

Kamwendo stands as the 8th most-capped player for the Malawi National Team, behind only Young Chimodzi (159), Jack Chamangwana (133), Lawrence Waya (129), Harry Waya (126), Kinnah Phiri (117), Gilbert Chirwa (112), and Jonathan Billie (110).

“The Rise of “Wonderboy”

Football enthusiasts of the 2000s and early 2010s remember Joseph as arguably not only the best player of his generation but also a great leader with exceptional mentality.

Born and raised in Mchinji, he left Civil Service United in Lilongwe to join Mighty Wanderers in 2003. His stay was brief but impactful—after less than two seasons, Zimbabwe’s then-champions CAPS United came calling.

Before his departure, JK won the 2004 Player of the Year award. His excellence continued at CAPS United, where he claimed the 2005 Soccer Star of the Year award, becoming the first foreigner to achieve this honor.

Chapungu’s marksman Phillip Marufu finished as first runner-up, while Lancashire Steel midfielder and captain Justice Majabvi was second runner-up.

“CAPS United made me feel at home from the first day, and that helped me settle quickly and play my football with freedom,” Kamwendo recalled. “No wonder after one season at CAPS I was voted the best player. CAPS will always have a special place in my heart.”

This success catapulted Joseph 12,642 kilometers away from Zimbabwe to Denmark, where he made 16 appearances for FC Nordsjælland. The Danes dubbed him “Wonderboy,” recognizing his exceptional talent.

Returning home for the 2006-07 season, Kamwendo’s abilities proved too expansive for local football. He secured a move to South Africa’s prestigious Orlando Pirates, where he’s still regarded as a legend. He powered the team to a Premier Soccer League runner-up finish in the 2008-09 season while winning the Telecom Knockout, MTN 8, and Nedbank Cup.

After a loan spell with Vasco da Gama in 2011 and two seasons back at Wanderers, he joined TP Mazembe from 2013 to 2016, spending the 2015-2016 season on loan at Don Bosco.

Kamwendo returned to Mighty Wanderers’ blue colors from 2016 to 2018, a period that marked the club’s resurgence. He played a crucial role in helping Wanderers reclaim their lost glory by winning the TNM Super League in 2017, ending a 10-year championship drought.

His leadership proved pivotal to the triumph, and he was rewarded with the Player of the Season award. After a brief stint with Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila Football Club in South Africa in 2019, Kamwendo returned home to finish his career with his beloved Wanderers.

“Wanderers is the team that made me move to Zimbabwe and the team that made me the person I am today,” he reflected. “I had no choice—when things don’t go well elsewhere, we return home like to our parents.”


Despite occasional club struggles abroad, Kamwendo transformed into a different player when representing his country. He consistently prioritized Malawi above personal concerns.

In 2010, when preparing for national team duties against Togo, he told National Publication’s then journalist Gomezgani Zakazaka: “Regardless of my future with my club, I have to put it behind. This is our first time as players meeting again since returning from AFCON in Angola. I have to concentrate on national team duties—I’ll look at my future after my assignment here.”

When asked why he seemed like a different person with the national team, Kamwendo explained: “I’m grateful to be a child of this nation. It’s every child’s dream to one day represent their country’s team. Being among those who have played many games isn’t just about football—we must first thank God for the talent he gave us and the Malawians for their support.”

Fresh memories of crowd chants when he wore the national team jersey remain vivid for Kamwendo. One moment stands out above all others: after 10 years of national team service, he captained the team against Namibia in 2013. Although Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet temporarily stripped him of the armband in 2014, he was later reinstated as team leader.

“That was my best moment—being the country’s captain is something very special,” Kamwendo recalled. “When you know that wearing the national jersey is special, you have to play as if it’s your last time, knowing you’re representing the entire country. That’s reason enough to die for Mother Malawi.”

Nine years since the midfield maestro retired from national team duties, Malawi continues to miss his legacy as a creator, leader, and the jovial presence he brought to the dressing room.

Kanyenda- JK was the best as a player and as a leader

Essau Kanyenda, regarded as one of the National Team’s greatest strikers, played alongside Kamwendo from 2003. Having made his own debut in December 1999, Kanyenda accumulated 72 appearances and scored 22 goals before describing his former teammate as the best player and leader.

“When JK joined the Flames, we welcomed him and he settled well—it was like he wasn’t an inexperienced player,” Kanyenda recalled. “He was the best in the dressing room, first to arrive at training and last to leave.

“In the dressing room, with encouraging songs, he was just perfect. I shared a room with him; he was a very cool guy who welcomed me when I joined Wanderers. I’m happy to have shared many memories with him. When I was in Russia, I would pass through South Africa before coming to Malawi just to see him.”

“One of the best creative players with great leadership—if you picked a few leaders from the Flames team that went to Angola, JK was definitely one of them. He was the kind of player who could change the game when we were losing, and when we were leading, he could entertain supporters with his skills.”

Since Kamwendo’s retirement, Malawi has produced several talented players but none have matched the former captain’s comprehensive impact. Kamwendo believes Francisco Madinga (TP Mazembe’s attacker) and Patrick Mwaungulu have potential to become valuable assets when given time and confidence.

“We have much talent in the country and capable players who can fill that role,” Kamwendo noted. “Madinga and Mwaungulu can do that if given freedom and confidence.”

Kanyenda shares this optimism about emerging talent: “There was a time I thought Madinga would reach JK’s level. Chikumbutso Salima also shows potential.”

Both legends had their final dance together at Mighty Wanderers, combining their experience to help secure the 2017 championship. “Sometimes in football, you need to mix experienced players with young ones,” Kanyenda observed.

“Young players have energy at the league’s start, but the second round gets tough—that’s when you need experienced players. JK was always there encouraging players when they were down, and 2017 showed that.”

As Joseph Kamwendo turns 39, the Malawi National Team prepares to face Liberia.

Perhaps they should win it for him—a tribute to the man now building a new legacy as a coach, continuing to serve the beautiful game that gave him so much and to which he gave everything in return.