Esau Kanyenda: Africa Mourns as Legendary ‘Black Mamba’ Bows Out

Former Malawi striker Esau Kanyenda has died in the UK after a short illness, ending a legendary footballing era.

Former Malawi national team striker Esau Kanyenda has passed on in the early hours of today, 2nd December 2025 (UK time)  plunging the African football fraternity into deep mourning. 

The celebrated icon, affectionately known as 'Black Mamba' for his lethal striking instincts, died at his home in the United Kingdom where he had been receiving nursing care.

Kanyenda had been unwell for the past three months, a battle that he fought with the same quiet determination that defined his playing career.

 The news of his death comes shortly after he bravely went public with his condition, revealing that he had been diagnosed with liver cancer. 

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Throughout his illustrious career, Kanyenda was a figure of tenacity and excellence. 

From the dusty pitches of Dedza to the grand stadiums of the UEFA Champions League, he carried the flag of Malawi with immense pride. 

He scored over 190 goals in a career that saw him play for top-tier clubs including Jomo Cosmos in South Africa, Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia, and finally Mighty Wanderers in Malawi. 

His contribution to the Malawi national team, the Flames, was equally significant, netting 22 goals in 72 appearances and cementing his status as a national hero.

Just days before his untimely death, Kanyenda had reached out to his supporters with a moving message on social media. 

In what would become his final public communication, the 43-year-old expressed his resolve to confront the illness head-on, asking for the prayers of the fans who had cheered him on for decades.

“Hello everyone!!Just to let you know that I’m diagnosed with liver cancer here in UK. I’m fighting for this. Need  your prayers," he wrote.

Since the announcement of his diagnosis and subsequent passing, tributes have flooded social media platforms from former teammates, clubs, and admirers.

From Dedza to the World Stage

 Born in September 1982 in the central district of Dedza in Malawi, his journey to stardom began in humble settings. He started his career with FC Welfare, a first-division side in Malawi. 

It was here, during the 1999 Cosafa U-17 championship, that his raw talent caught the eye of Jomo Sono, the legendary owner of Jomo Cosmos FC. Sono, known for his ability to spot diamond-in-the-rough talent, wasted no time in recruiting the young striker.

The South African outfit took him to Johannesburg, where he joined their junior ranks alongside another future Malawian legend, Peter Mponda.

Kanyenda’s potential was undeniable; during a Jomo Cosmos tour to Italy, he played in an international tournament and finished as the second top goal scorer.

 He later turned professional back in Malawi with FC Dwasco from 1999–2001, before returning to South Africa to light up the Premier Soccer League (PSL) with Jomo Cosmos between 2001 and 2003. He was a sensation during his first spell, scoring 18 goals in 28 starts in his debut season.

A Historic Legacy in Europe and Africa

Kanyenda’s ambition soon took him beyond the African continent. In 2002, he underwent trials with French giants Olympic Marseille, scoring an impressive six goals in five trial matches, though a permanent move did not materialize. 

However, in 2003, he successfully broke into the Russian Premier League, playing for clubs such as Rostov and Lokomotiv Moscow. 

It was in Russia that he made history, becoming the first Malawian footballer to play in the UEFA Champions League between 2005 and 2007.

After a successful decade in Europe, which included a stint at Danish side B93, Kanyenda returned to South Africa in 2012, signing with Polokwane City where he stayed for a record six seasons. 

He eventually returned to Malawi in 2017 to play for Mighty Wanderers FC, helping them win the TNM Super League and closing the circle on a remarkable journey.