By Ronald Mpaso:
Football Legends Association (FLA) has announced that Malawians will have a chance to witness the burial of former Malawi National Football Team striker Esau Kanyenda live from Manchester, England, at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe.
FLA General Secretary (GS) Solomon Gomezgani Mchawi said they had made arrangements for a big screen at BNS in Lilongwe so that Malawians could follow proceedings as Kanyenda will be laid to rest on February 4.
Mchawi said he had travelled to England to represent FLA at the burial ceremony.
“The bereaved family has honoured FLA with membership of the burial ceremony’s organising committee and directing the event. We consider these roles as very big. Our plans are that people should watch the burial ceremony at BNS. We are, therefore, calling on all football lovers across the country to turn up in their large numbers at BNS on February 4 from 2pm so that they bid farewell to one of their legends.
“We are working hand-in- hand with the family in organising the ceremony. We are, therefore, calling on all stakeholders to join hands in ensuring that Kanyenda is given a sendoff befitting his great contribution to Malawi football,” he said.
Mchawi said other England-based Malawians such as Acton Munthali, Petros Mwalweni, Chitty Malema, Billy Tewesa, Chikondi Likwemba and Casper Jangale would also play various roles during the ceremony.
The bereaved family’s spokesperson, Simeon Kanyenda Mwale, thanked FLA for its support.
“There is a lot that FLA has done to support us, as a family, during these trying times. They even sent one of their top officials to attend the burial ceremony in Manchester. We do not take this for granted. This is a clear indication of the love that the association has for its members. In terms of preparations for the burial, I can say everything is in place and we are ready.
“We would have had several relations travelling to attend the burial ceremony in Manchester with FLA’s support but this has not worked out because of visa challenges. So, we will just have our own ceremony here in Malawi at the time of the burial in England,” Kanyenda Mwale said.
Kanyenda died on December 2, 2025 and his burial ceremony will start with a church service at 2pm Malawi time on February 4.