Football Legends Association (FLA) paid their last respect to fallen legend Esau Kanyenda with special ceremonies at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre and Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe. Graced by Malawi National Council of Sports acting-chief executive officer Ivy Chinangwa, the event in Blantyre saw a number of former players such as Fischer Kondowe, Chiukepo Msowoya and Thom Kazembe honouring the former Flames striker. Kanyenda, 43, died on Tuesday in the United Kingdom following a battle with liver cancer and is expected to be laid to rest in the foreign land as per his last wish, according to his brother Christopher.
In his eulogy, Kondowe, who was also the late Kanyenda’s team mate in the national team and close friend, said Kanyenda was a humble soul that did not only inspire generations with his football skills but also discipline. “In his football career, he was a big inspiration to up-and-coming players due to his fighting spirit and he respected everyone, regardless of age or status. We will greatly miss him.
May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he said. FLA senior member Thom Kazembe said the association thought it wise to hold a special memorial ceremony in Blantyre and Lilongwe because they believe in honouring the contributions that the fallen legend made to the development of Malawi football. Chinangwa described the late Kanyenda as a national treasure, whose impact went beyond the field of play.
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Meanwhile, Kanyenda’s family is yet to determine the actual place and date for his burial in the UK. The departed star’s brother Christopher said mourners are gathered at their sister’s residence in Area 25 Sector 8 in Lilongwe for a vigil. The late Kanyenda was a prolific striker who played for Dwasco FC and Mighty Wanderers locally and had stints in foreign leagues in South Africa and Russia. In South Africa, he featured for Jomo Cosmos and Polokwane City while in Russia he played for Rostov and Lokomotiv Moscow.
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