By Bernard Mhone:
A somber mood has engulfed the country’s football fraternity as it mourns Malawi National Under-17 Football Team former striker Andrew Simkonda, who died Thursday after a short illness.
Andrew succumbed to low blood sugar after he went to receive treatment at Chitipa District Hospital.
The Moyale Barracks former captain has died aged 38.
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Younger brother to the deceased, Gastin, said they had lost a pillar of the family.
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“Andy [as he was popularly known] was a source of wisdom to the entire family. We were very dependent on him mentally, morally and physically. He was always there for us to provide guidance on family matters. He was also a breadwinner for his family. Our hearts are broken,” Gastin said.
Andrew started playing for the Lions of Kaning’ina in 2006 before hanging his boots in 2014.
Moyale Assistant Coach Victor Chingoka said Simkonda put the club on the map, helping it to win several cups.
“There was a time when we used to be called cup specialists and it was because of his goal-scoring prowess. His career started at Banyamulenge [as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ Reserve side was known then] and he was promoted to the senior team, where he has made history by helping the team win silverware such as the Standard Bank Cup and BP Top Eight Cup.
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“We cannot talk of Moyale without mentioning his name. We will miss his services since he was our adviser,” Chingoka said.
Meanwhile, Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Second Vice President Lameck Zetu Khonje has said the death is a blow to the football fraternity as he was a role model to youths.
“He curtailed his football career within a short time but he was a deadly striker. If he had played to his full potential, he could have become one of the legends of Malawi football.
“It is sad that we are losing such role models to the youth. It is disheartening to lose such soccer icons,” Khonje said.
Simkonda was a lethal striker as his exploits were starred in 2009 when he scored five goals for the Malawi Under-17 National Football Team against Namibia.
This helped the Flames to secure qualification for the Fifa World Cup.
Simkonda is survived by a wife and son.
He will be laid to rest today at his home village, Ipenza, Traditional Authority Kameme, in Chitipa District.
