Joshua Waka: “I want to win trophies with Ekhaya”

Ekhaya Football Club have officially announced the signing of goalkeeper Joshua Waka from Blue Eagles.

Wa Mpira reported on Saturday that the two parties had reached an agreement for the transfer after Ekhaya activated Waka’s release clause. The Blantyre-based rookies have secured the goalkeeper for a fee of MK10 million on a three-year deal, with a signing fee in the region of MK6-7.5 million.

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The club’s statement reads: “Ekhaya FC is thrilled to announce the signing of goalkeeper Joshua Waka from Blue Eagles on a three-year contract. The 21-year-old shot-stopper brings both talent and promise to The Cowboys’ squad as they prepare for a strong finish to their debut TNM Super League campaign.”

Waka enjoyed an outstanding season with Blue Eagles, featuring in 14 out of 15 league matches and keeping seven clean sheets, demonstrating his growing consistency between the posts. His exceptional performances last season earned him both the 2024 FDH Bank Cup Discovery of the Tournament award and the prestigious Golden Glove, highlighting his ability to make crucial saves when it matters most.

The young goalkeeper also tasted cup success, winning the FDH Bank Cup while competing in Malawi’s premier division with Blue Eagles.

A product of Malawi’s most decorated youth academy, Ascent, Waka began his professional journey in 2022 before moving to Kamuzu Barracks Reserves, where he spent a season sharpening his skills. His steady development paved the way for his move to Blue Eagles, where he quickly established himself as one of the league’s most promising young goalkeepers.

On the international stage, Waka has already represented the Junior Flames, gaining valuable experience that will now serve him at the senior level.

Joshua was one of the most sought-after goalkeepers in the transfer window, with other clubs including FCB Nyasa Big Bullets also attempting to secure his signature before he committed to Ekhaya.

Speaking after penning his three-year contract with the Cowboys, Waka explained his decision to join the newly-promoted side.

“I’m so excited to be part of this team. There were big teams that also wanted me to sign for them, but in life, it’s not about quantity but quality. I chose Ekhaya because of the direction of the team,” he said.

Waka sets ambitious goals after signing for Ekhaya

The goalkeeper emphasized his commitment to excellence while setting ambitious targets for his new club.

“Being a goalkeeper, people should expect more, but I can’t promise more – they will see good things on the pitch as days go by. Ekhaya is a team which has just been promoted to the super league, but it’s a team which seems to have a vision. Everyone wants to be part of a good team, and that was the feeling I had after being approached.

“Some of the players here are not new to me because I played with them at the Malawi U-20 National Team. With Ekhaya, I want to achieve good things – winning trophies, if God allows, winning the TNM [Super League]. My vision is also to play international football,” Waka concluded.

Waka is the first player that Ekhaya have unveiled during this transfer window. The team is expected to announce the signings of two midfielders from Civil Service United: Moses Banda and Blessings Malinda.