By Alfred Banda
President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has described the former Malawi National Player Esau Kanyenda as one of Malawi’s greatest football icons whose contribution to the game will remain unforgettable.
In a condolence message released Tuesday Mutharika said he and the First Lady are deeply saddened by the death of Kanyenda, who died in the United Kingdom on Tuesday.
He said Kanyenda’s passing has robbed the nation of “a true son of the soil” who worked tirelessly to raise Malawi’s flag across Africa and Europe, including during his successful stint with Russian club FC Rostov.Mutharika recalled that Kanyenda played a crucial role in helping Malawi qualify for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola, which he said remains one of the country’s proudest football achievements.
“Even after retiring, he continued to be a guiding voice for local football administrators, showing unwavering commitment to the growth of the sport in our country,” he said.
The President extended his condolences to the Kanyenda family, friends and the football fraternity, describing the late striker as a legend who inspired many young players.
Kanyenda, fondly known as “Black Mamba,” is remembered for his pace, skill and goal-scoring ability, which earned him respect both locally and internationally.
