Malawi’s football legend Esau ‘Black Mamba’ Kanyenda was laid to rest in Manchester, the United Kingdom (UK), Wednesday.
It was the end of an eventful journey.
Kanyenda breathed his last on December 2, 2025 after he succumbed to liver cancer.
In a ceremony monitored on Zodiak Broadcasting Station, the words of his son, Nathan, summed up the sombre mood in Manchester Wednesday.
“Esau was a father, footballer and son. He built a legacy and was a humble person who changed the lives of many people,” he said.
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On his part, Malawi High Commissioner to the UK, John Bisika, delivered an emotional tribute to Kanyenda.
“Esau etched his name in the history books of football. It is a sad day that we are bidding farewell to Esau,” he said.
Back home here, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Alfred Gangata led Malawians in paying their last respects to Kanyenda at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe yesterday.
Gangata said the death of Kanyenda united Malawians.
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“People from all walks of life gathered here to pay their final tribute. Esau will always be remembered for his contribution to Malawi football,” Gangata said.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) First Vice President Madalitso Kuyera said Malawi lost a dedicated footballer.
“Esau was a hero and will be greatly missed,” he said.
Football Legends Association (FLA) Chairperson Jim Kalua, who is also chairperson for the Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) Board, said Kanyenda contributed a lot to Malawi football.
“He was selfless and a hard worker,” he said.
Kanyenda died at the age of 43.
He was considered as one of the greatest Malawian players, who rose from humble beginning to stardom.
His 20-year football career spanned from 1998 to 2018.
He was one of the key members of the Flames squad that qualified for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Angola.
At the peak of his career, he scored 22 goals in 72 matches for the Flames, having started 63 matches and nine substitutions.
