Mawira looking for a new club after Tirana deal falls through

Former AFC Leopards defender Joshua Mawira is looking for a new club after watching his move to Albanian side KF Tirana hit a snag. 

Mawira who is currently training with National Super League (NSL) side Kibera Black Stars has been a free agent since November 2020 after his deal with Swedish second-tier side Gottne IF elapsed. 

Shortly after jetting back from Sweden, he joined the Murang'a Seal camp to keep fit in anticipation for a move to Albania early this year. 

However, the former Mahakama defender says the club which had in the past shopped in the Kenyan league and within the region settled for a homegrown player locking him out. 

Mawira said he was looking for a short term deal in the local leagues to warm up for his second return to professional football. 

"I want to sign a short term deal either in the country or in the region as I am still pursuing the move to Albania. I have been keeping fit with Black Stars hoping that I will not disappoint when clubs come calling," he said. 

He added "I am grateful to Kibera and Murang'a coaches for allowing me to keep fit with their clubs from the time I returned from Sweden," he said. 

Mawira broke into the local scene in 2013 when he signed for the defunct Mahakama after passing through the then hub of talents FC Talanta who are famed for giving the youth a chance in yesteryears. He ditched Mahakama for Nairobi City Stars whom he remained in their books until late 2016.

The 26-year old had his breakthrough come when former champions Leopards acquired his signature in 2018 a platform he used to market himself. 

Mawira who has basic knowledge of the Swedish language courtesy of his nine-month stay says he is longing to make a comeback to active football after close to a year out.