Legendary ‘Black Mamba’ Esau Kanyenda laid to rest in Manchester

Malawian football legend Esau “Black Mamba” Kanyenda was laid to rest today in Manchester, United Kingdom, bringing to an end the final chapter of one of the country’s most storied sporting lives.

The former Flames striker passed away on December 2, 2025, in the UK after a courageous battle with liver cancer. He was 43.

The burial ceremony, which took place at 4:20 PM UK time, was preceded by a memorial service that began at 1:30 PM (Malawian time). In a show of national unity and respect, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and the Football Legends Association (FLA) arranged for the proceedings to be streamed live at the Bingu National Stadium and on various digital platforms for fans across the globe.

Solomon Gomezgani Mchawi, Secretary of the Football Legends Association, described the mood as a celebration of a life well-lived.

“Today we are not just mourning; we are celebrating the incredible milestones Esau achieved,” Mchawi said. “He was a trailblazer who showed every young Malawian that it is possible to reach the pinnacle of world football.”

Kanyenda remains a towering figure in Malawian sports history. He famously became the first Malawian to play in the UEFA Champions League during his time with the Russian club FC Rostov, a feat that remains unmatched by current local players.

His professional journey took him from the dusty pitches of Nkhotakota to the bright lights of South Africa’s Jomo Cosmos and eventually to the Russian Premier League, where he became a fan favorite. For the national team, the “Black Mamba” was a lethal finisher whose name struck fear into defenders across the continent.

He is survived by his wife and children. As the sun sets in Manchester, Malawi says farewell to a true icon whose legacy will forever remain etched in the history of the Flames.

Rest in Power, Black Mamba.