BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The football fraternity in Malawi on Thursday united in grief and celebration as the Football Legends Association (FLA) hosted a touching dual-city memorial ceremony for the late Flames legend Esau ‘Black Mamba’ Kanyenda.
Events were held concurrently at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre and Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The ceremonies marked a historic moment as it was the first time the FLA organised a simultaneous memorial in two cities, a gesture that reflected the wide reaching influence Kanyenda had on Malawi football.
In Blantyre, the event was graced by Malawi National Council of Sports acting-chief executive officer Ivy Chinangwa, who represented the sports governing body.
She described Kanyenda as “a national treasure whose legacy must be preserved for future generations,” emphasising his role in lifting Malawi’s flag at international level.
A number of former players among them Fischer Kondowe,Leo Mpulula, Chiukepo Msowoya and Gift Zakazaka attended to honour their fallen colleague. Their presence demonstrated the unity and solidarity that Kanyenda always promoted during his football career.
Speaking during the Blantyre memorial, Fischer Kondowe delivered an emotional tribute, calling his former teammate “a committed fighter who never backed down both on and off the pitch.”
He recalled their days in the Flames squad, saying Kanyenda’s determination often inspired the entire dressing room.
In Lilongwe, supporters and former footballers gathered at Bingu National Stadium for a ceremony filled with songs, prayers and messages of comfort.
The atmosphere at both venues reflected the depth of Kanyenda’s connection with Malawians.
For many, he symbolised ambition, discipline and the belief that local players could succeed on the global stage.
Kanyenda 43-year-old passed away on Tuesday in the United Kingdom after a long battle with liver cancer. His brother, Christopher Kanyenda, confirmed that the former Flames striker will be laid to rest in the UK, in accordance with his final wish.