By Praise Majawa
Malawi is mourning the loss of one of its greatest football sons — Esau “Black Mamba” Kanyenda — a man whose name became synonymous with fearless goal-scoring, unmatched dedication, and a football journey that inspired a generation.
Kanyenda passed away in the United Kingdom after a battle with liver cancer, closing the final chapter of a life that left a mark at home and abroad.
For a boy who began his journey in Dwangwa, Nkhota-Kota, few could have predicted that he would one day become the only Malawian to play in the UEFA Champions League and one of the Flames’ most beloved strikers.
Rise of the Black Mamba
Kanyenda’s football story began in 1998 with Dwasco, where his speed and daring style quickly earned him attention. But it was during the 1999 Cosafa Under-17 tournament that his destiny changed. South African legend and Jomo Cosmos owner Jomo Sono spotted the teenage striker and immediately knew he had seen something special.
By 2001, the boy was playing in Johannesburg, sharing the pitch with fellow Malawian Peter Mponda. Cosmos took him on a European tour, and it was in Italy that Kanyenda’s venomous finishing stunned scouts and opponents alike. The Black Mamba had arrived.
A rare African journey into Europe’s cold battlegrounds
From South Africa, Kanyenda leapt into one of the toughest football landscapes in the world — Russia. He signed for FC Rostov in 2003 before joining giants Lokomotiv Moscow in 2005. In Russia, he earned respect not only for his goals but also for his grit.
Despite the ice, language barriers, and hostile stadiums, nothing could stop the Mamba.
He later featured for FC KAMAZ Naberezhnye Chelny, adding another chapter to a career defined by courage and persistence.
Kanyenda’s appearances in European competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, remain unmatched by any other Malawian footballer to this day.
The Flames’ fierce Number 11
Esau Kanyenda made his Flames debut on 12 March 2000 against Zambia. The number 11 jersey would become part of his identity, and he wore it with pride for 16 unforgettable years.
At the peak of his powers, he led Malawi to one of its proudest football moments — qualification for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola. His goals, 22 in 72 appearances, made him one of the most lethal forwards Malawi has ever produced.
To Gabadinho Mhango, who now wears the number 11, he said Kanyenda was more than a legend — he was a mentor.
“A true legend of the game. He honoured me with his number 11 jersey. I will always treasure the lessons I learned from him,” Mhango said.
A hero at home
Back home, Kanyenda’s influence stretched beyond the national team. He played for Mighty Wanderers towards the end of his career, becoming a fan favourite and a respected senior figure in the dressing room.
His humility made him accessible. His discipline made him respected. His smile made him unforgettable.
A nation mourns, a legacy lives on
News of his passing has drawn tributes from across the football world. President Arthur Peter Mutharika and First Lady Getrude Mutharika described his death as “a big loss to the country… Malawi has lost a true son of the soil.”
Football Association of Malawi President Fleetwood Haiya echoed the nation’s grief, saying Kanyenda’s contribution “will always be remembered.”
The Football Legends Association, through its Chairperson Jim Kalua, mourned the loss of “a member and a true Malawi football legend.”
And from supporters across continents — Africa to Europe — the message has been the same: Malawi has lost one of its finest.
More than a player — a symbol of possibility
Esau Kanyenda’s story is the story of hope. The story of a boy who refused to fear big stages. A striker who made defenders tremble. A Malawian who proved that dreams from small towns can echo across the world.
He was called the “Black Mamba” because he struck fast, struck hard, and struck when it mattered most.
And even in death, Esau Kanyenda leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire young dreamers — the ones chasing a ball on the sands of Nkhotakota, the ones daring to believe that they, too, can raise the Malawian flag high.
The Mamba rests. But his legend will never die.
