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Kickers Add Former Independence Midfielder Mwape

By USLLeagueOne.com Staff, 01/21/19, 11:43AM EST

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22-year-old made 14 appearances for Charlotte in his first professional season


Mwape passes the ball during Charlotte's 2-1 regular-season victory over Toronto FC II last May. | Photo courtesy Charlotte Independence.

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers announced on Monday that the club has signed midfielder Mutaya Mwape for the 2019 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval. 

“Mutaya showed great desire from our first conversation to be a part of the new Richmond Kickers Pro organization,” said Kickers Head Coach David Bulow. “He is very explosive and dynamic with USL Championship experience and will be an important player for the Richmond Kickers in 2019.”

Mwape began his professional career in 2018, playing in the USL Championship with the Charlotte Independence. The Lusaka, Zambia native went on to make 14 appearances for the club, tallying two assists and netting his first professional goal in a 1-1 Southern Derby draw against the Charleston Battery on June 16. 

“It is an honor to have been granted this opportunity to represent this amazing club and be a part of this community,” said Mwape. “I can’t wait to get started and make the Red Army, Richmond Kickers fans and city proud.”

Before turning pro, Mwape played two years at Lindsey Wilson College, where he scored 25 goals and added 19 assists. In 2016, Mwape played in six matches for the Ocean City Nor’easters as the club made a run to the USL League Two Semifinals. One year later, Mwape made 11 appearances for the Charlotte Eagles as the team marched to the club’s first USL League Two title. He started his U.S. academic and soccer path through the Berkshire School in Sheffield, Massachusetts. 

“I saw Mutaya play well for the Charlotte Independence last season versus FC Cincinnati and Santos from Mexico,” said Kickers President Matt Spear. “He’s technical, quick, creative and dynamic. He can break down opponents from wide areas, including cutting inside from the right side to his dominant left foot. And he fits Coach Bulow’s preference to beat teams on the ground and with combination play."

The Kickers’ 2019 roster now sits at eight players with the addition of Mwape, who joins midfielders Amass Amankona, Matt Bolduc, Eli Lockaby and Josh Hughes, defenders Scott Thomsen and Braeden Troyer and forward Dennis Chin.