Malawi is mourning one of its most celebrated football icons after the passing of former national team striker Esau Kanyenda, who died in the United Kingdom following a battle with liver cancer.
The tragic news comes just days after the 42-year-old publicly revealed his illness. Revered across the continent as the “Black Mamba”, Kanyenda earned legendary status as one of Malawi’s finest forwards, known for his sharp finishing and powerful presence on the pitch.
In a statement, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) expressed deep sorrow over his death.
“The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Malawi National Football Team striker, Esau “Mamba” Kanyenda,” FAM wrote on their official website.
“Kanyenda passed away this morning in the United Kingdom.
“Kanyenda was a key member of the Malawi squad that qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola in 2010 — the country’s second AFCON appearance. His contribution to the game and the nation remains etched in the history of Malawian football.”
Tributes have poured in nationwide. The Parliament of Malawi observed a moment of silence in his honour, while President Peter Mutharika extended condolences to the bereaved family through a message shared on social media.
Kanyenda’s career was marked by trailblazing achievements. He became the first Malawian to feature in the UEFA Champions League during his time with Lokomotiv Moscow, spending eight years playing across Russia before moving briefly to Denmark.
He went on to represent Jomo Cosmos and Polokwane City in South Africa, later returning home to close out his professional journey at Mighty Wanderers between 2017 and 2019.
His rise began in 1998 with FC Welfare in Dwangwa before catching the eye of Jomo Sono at a COSAFA Under-17 tournament the following year.
Kanyenda soon turned professional, starring for FC Dwasco in Malawi’s Premier League, which paved the way for moves to Jomo Cosmos and later to Europe. In Russia, he enjoyed spells with FC Rostov, Lokomotiv Moscow, KAMAZ Naberezhnye Chelny and Rotor Volgograd, among others, consistently proving himself as a prolific scorer.
Esau Kanyenda leaves behind a legacy defined by talent, resilience and an enduring impact on Malawian football — a career that inspired a generation and carved his name among the country’s all-time greats.
