The Football Legends Association (FLA) has announced it will send two representatives to the United Kingdom to attend the burial of former Flames forward Esau “Black Mamba” Kanyenda.
FLA board secretary Gomezgani Mchawi said the association is finalizing travel arrangements for the delegates, noting that Kanyenda remained a dedicated member of the body even after relocating to the UK following his retirement from professional football.
Kanyenda, one of Malawi’s most celebrated strikers, died on Tuesday after battling liver cancer. His burial date is yet to be officially communicated by the family.
Mchawi described Kanyenda’s passing as a huge loss to the football fraternity, recalling his contributions both on and off the field and his continued engagement with fellow legends through the association.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has joined the nation in paying tribute to the former Flames number 11. Ministry spokesperson Macmillan Mwale said Kanyenda committed his life to uplifting Malawian football.
Mwale highlighted that Kanyenda earned admiration at home and abroad during his distinguished career, which included spells with Jomo Cosmos in South Africa and Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia.
On Thursday, FLA organised tribute events in Blantyre and Lilongwe, bringing together former teammates, football administrators and supporters to honour Kanyenda’s legacy.
The association said it will continue to engage with the family and stakeholders to ensure that the late striker receives a dignified farewell befitting his status as one of Malawi’s football greats.
