Black Mamba to be laid in February

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The family of late former Flames striker Esau Kanyenda has confirmed that the Malawian football legend will be laid to rest next month(February) in the United Kingdom.

Popularly known as Black Mamba, Kanyenda will be buried on February 4, 2026, in Manchester, bringing closure to weeks of mourning following his death late last year.

The announcement was made by Velli Nyirongo, chairperson of the funeral organising committee, who spoke on behalf of the family during a brief update on burial arrangements.

Kanyenda passed away on December 2, 2025, a loss that sent shockwaves across Malawi’s football fraternity and beyond.

Nyirongo said further details surrounding funeral logistics and related arrangements will be communicated in due course as preparations continue.

Although his final resting place will be outside Malawi, Kanyenda’s football identity remains inseparable from the country where he carved out his legendary status.

He rose to prominence through prolific goal scoring in the local league, earning a reputation as one of the most feared forwards of his generation.

His exploits at club level paved the way for a memorable international career, where he became a key figure in the Flames attack.

Kanyenda is survived by his wife, Queen and six children namely Nathan, Wayne, Ethel, Yewo, Emmanuel and Wayankha.