Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo completes permanent move to Civil Service United

Malawi women’s national team goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo has completed a permanent move to Lilongwe-based Civil Service United.

The 28-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the NBM Women’s Championship club after joining from Ntopwa Ladies of Blantyre.

Sikelo spent last season on loan at Civil Service United, but the move was delayed by a disagreement between the two clubs over the transfer fee.

That dispute has now been resolved, allowing the Scorchers goalkeeper to make the switch permanent.

The uncertainty had seen Sikelo sit out Civil Service United’s domestic matches, raising concerns about her match fitness ahead of Malawi’s 2028 Olympic Games qualifying campaign against Zimbabwe.

Despite some inconsistent performances, Sikelo remains Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili’s first-choice goalkeeper.

She has produced a number of impressive saves for the Scorchers but has also been criticised for errors in possession and handling that have occasionally proved costly.

Sikelo was part of the Malawi side that won the 2023 COSAFA Women’s Championship, the country’s first title in the competition.

She also helped Malawi reach the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished as runners-up.