The football fraternity is mourning the death of former Super League of Malawi president Henry ‘Kaka’ Chibowa, who died at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre Tuesday.
Chibowa’s younger brother Vincent confirmed the development, saying the former football administrator and player died of kidney failure.
“As a family, we are devastated following the death. He died of kidney failure,” he said.
Chibowa, 58, served as Sulom president from 1992 to 2011 and is well known for playing a crucial role in helping Sulom secure sponsorship from TNM plc after the top flight league had run for some seasons without sponsorship.
Meanwhile, both Football Association of Malawi (Fam) and Sulom have released statements in which they have paid tribute to the former football official and player.
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Fam President Walter Nyamilandu said Chibowa’s sudden death has come as a great shock to the association and the entire football fraternity.
“It is with a heavy heart that we have learnt of the passing on of the former president of the Super League of Malawi Henry Chibowa fondly known as ‘Kaka’. We have lost a great leader who played a tremendous role in the formation of the Super League to be such a respected and highly entertaining league,” he said.
Nyamilandu said they cannot talk about the glory of the Super League without attributing its success to the late Chibowa.
“I had the privilege of working with such a passionate, committed and astute leader who had the foresight of transforming Malawi football. He will forever remain a legend of Malawi football,” he said.
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Similarly, Sulom, in a statement, indicated that they are saddened by the death of one of the founding members and general secretary of Super League Association of Malawi (Sulam) and president of Sulom.
“Dr Henry Chibowa will be remembered for facilitating the negotiations that led to the Telekom Super League sponsorship in 2006 from Telekom Networks Malawi now TNM plc. During that period the elite League had no sponsorship and government sponsored the league,” it said.
Former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets general secretary Gaston Mwenelupembe, who was well-known for his rivalry with Chibowa, said he was in a state of shock.
“I still cannot believe it. Chibowa has been my friend for over 30 years. We believed in a friendly rivalry by drumming up support through interviews with the media. Behind the scenes, we were socialising because we knew what we were doing. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Another former Bullets general secretary Higger Mkandawire echoed the sentiments.
Chibowa also played for Unima FC and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers. He also served as general secretary for Wanderers.
Chibowa was born on April 27 1965 and is survived by two sons.
His family has indicated that burial will take place at HHI Cemetery in Blantyre tomorrow. He came from Tito Village, TA Kanyenda, Nkhota-kota District.
