By Mabvuto Kambuwe & Cathy Maulidi:
There was an outpouring of emotions and tears when Fifa President Gianni Infantino met State Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima’s widow Mary at Area 12 residence in Lilongwe Wednesday.
Infantino, who arrived in the country on a private jet on Tuesday night, was scheduled to meet Chilima and, together, carry out a number of activities.
But it was never meant to be as Chilima and eight other people died in a plane crash on Monday in Mzimba District.
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Grief filled the place as Infantino, visibly moved, walked into the house to offer his condolences.
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As he approached Mary, he knelt down, took her hand and spoke words of comfort.
“Be strong. So sorry for the loss. It is hard but remain strong,” Infantino’s voice cracked with emotion, reflecting the weight of the moment.
It was a sombre moment as Mary burst into tears when she was receiving a jersey inscribed with the words ‘SKC 9’.
Initially, Infantino had planned to give the jersey to Chilima after the planned meeting but, instead, he presented it to Mary, a symbol of the bond that transcended sports and politics.
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Mourners from all walks of life who gathered at Chilima’s residence also broke into tears.
Accompanied by Football Association of Malawi (Fam) President Fleetwood Haiya and other officials, Infantino demonstrated humility.
On his part, Haiya offered words of condolence to Mary.
“Pepani, pepani [take heart, take heart],” he said.
Infantino also consoled with State President Lazarus Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace.
Infantino also met with Malawi Women’s National Football Team striker Tabitha Chawinga.
He also met with Fam Executive Committee members at Bingu National Stadium before he flew out of the country to Zambia.
Initially, Infantino was expected to do a number of activities including meeting government officials, having luncheon with football stakeholders and visiting Fam land in Area 48 but cancelled all the activities.
This was the first time for Infantino to visit Malawi.
His visit followed a request from Haiya, who met him in Saudi Arabia, barely days after he was elected Fam President in December last year.
In 2019, Infantino was scheduled to visit the country but cancelled the trip at the eleventh hour.
Following the death of Chilima and eight other people, the government has declared 21 days of national mourning.
As such, all sporting events have been suspended until further notice.
