Kanyenda passes away in the UK

By Chifundo Damiano

Former Malawi national football team striker Esau Kanyenda has passed away in the United Kingdom after a battle with liver cancer.

His family confirmed that he died in the early hours of 2 December 2025, having received care at his home in recent months.

Kanyenda had recently posted on social media asking Malawians to pray for his recovery, indicating that he had been unwell for some time.

His passing follows earlier confusion when a media outlet mistakenly reported his death and subsequently issued an apology.

Kanyenda began his professional career at Dwasco Football Club, before moving to Jomo Cosmos in South Africa.

He later played for several clubs in Russia, including Lokomotiv Moscow, FC Kamaz, Rotor Volgograd, and Dynamo Bryansk, as well as a stint in Denmark, before returning to South Africa with Polokwane City.

In 2017, he returned to Malawi to join Mighty Wanderers, helping the club secure the TNM Super League title that season. He retired from professional football in 2018.

During his international career, Kanyenda earned 65 caps for the Malawi Flames, scoring 21 goals.

Across his club career, he scored over 190 goals. Renowned for his talent, discipline, and leadership, he remains one of Malawi’s most respected footballers.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.

Esau Kanyenda will be remembered for his dedication to football and his lasting impact on Malawian sports.