The football community across Africa is mourning the untimely passing of Malawian football legend and former Premier Soccer League (PSL) striker, **Esau “Black Mamba” Kanyenda**, who died on 2 December 2025 at the age of 43. His death was confirmed by the **Football Association of Malawi (FAM)**, marking a heartbreaking end to a career and life that inspired thousands across Malawi, South Africa, and beyond.
Kanyenda, widely respected for his powerful presence on the field, rose to prominence during his impressive spell with **Jomo Cosmos** in South Africa. His sharp finishing, towering physique, and relentless determination earned him recognition throughout African football. His success at Cosmos paved the way for a historic move to **FC Rostov** in Russia, a transfer that opened international doors and cemented his place among Malawi’s greatest football talents.
During his exceptional eight-year journey in Russia, Kanyenda achieved what no Malawian had done before: he became the **first player from Malawi to feature in the UEFA Champions League**, representing Lokomotiv Moscow on Europe’s biggest stage. His time abroad showcased his skill, discipline, and the pride he brought to his nation. After playing briefly in Denmark, he returned to South Africa in 2012 to join **Polokwane City**, where he once again made an impact before concluding his professional career with **Mighty Wanderers** between 2017 and 2019.
Beyond club football, Kanyenda was a giant for the **Malawi national team**, affectionately known as the Flames. Over the course of 72 international appearances, he scored 22 goals—making him one of the country’s top-five all-time scorers. His lethal finishing earned him the nickname **“Black Mamba,”** a title that fans used with both affection and admiration.
Tragically, his death came just a day after publicly announcing that he had been diagnosed with **liver cancer**. In a heartfelt message on his Facebook page, Kanyenda revealed he was ready to fight the illness and asked the public for prayers. Sadly, he passed away shortly afterwards in the United Kingdom, where he had been living.
Tributes from fans, former teammates, and supporters poured across social media as the news broke. Many recalled his unforgettable goals, humble personality, and the hope he brought to Malawian football. Some fans compared him to iconic strikers like Lesley “Slow Poison” Manyathela, noting how Kanyenda’s quiet demeanour often hid his incredible pace and striking ability. Others remembered his early years at Jomo Cosmos alongside football greats such as Tico-Tico Bucuane and Benjani Mwaruwari.
His passing comes at a time when the sports world is grappling with several losses, including the recent deaths of Orlando Pirates youngster Thubelihle Hlela and South African rugby player Sive Tshaka.
Esau Kanyenda leaves behind a legacy defined by passion, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievements. He was a trailblazer for Malawian footballers, a feared striker on the pitch, and a beloved figure off it. As Malawi and the broader football fraternity mourn his passing, the “Black Mamba” will be remembered as a true legend whose impact will live on for generations.
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