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Mourning george

 

Nyasa Big Bullets have hailed Super League of Malawi’s (Sulom) move to postpone tomorrow’s Blantyre derby in honour of their age-old rivals Be Forward Wanderers chairperson George Chamangwana’s death.

A dark cloud fell at Lali Lubani Road in the early hours of yesterday when Chamangwana, 48, breathed his last at Blantyre Adventist Hospital (BAH) after an illness.

According to the deceased’s brother and the Nomads’ legend Jack, the tentative arrangement is that the late George will be laid to rest tomorrow at Misesa Cemetery in Chigumula Township in Blantyre.

The body is expected to be ferried from College of Medicine Mortuary at 2pm today to his Mbengwe residence (near Angelo Goveya) where mourners will pay their last respects.

Bullets chairperson Noel Lipipa described Sulom’ move as compassionate and appropriate.

“George was not only a chairperson of a big club, he was someone passionate about the game from his playing days to an administrator.

Passed on yesterday :Chimangawa

“I saw some unfortunate and sick comments on social media this morning [yesterday] with some suggesting that the game should have gone on and I felt really sad. Of course, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, but we should not go out of our way.

“I think there are some people who do not have the human spirit to understand such situations. Death is not something we should take pleasure in. Anyway, our thoughts are with the bereaved and Nomads families in this trying time,” he said.

And in a statement released yesterday by general secretary Albert Chigoga, Bullets said: “In the spirit of solidarity and togetherness, we are joining our ‘neighbours’ in their grief and we are together with them in sorrow to bury one of the icons of Malawi football with the dignity he deserves after he has passed on.

“We will always remember George as one of the administrators in the unique class of his own, humble and passionate for the game of football.”

In its statement released yesterday and signed by general secretary (GS) Williams Banda, Sulom stated that it had postponed the most sought after domestic fixture in line with Article 17 (4) of the Sulom rules and regulations.

“Sulom further wishes to extend its sincere condolences to the Be Forward Wanderers and the bereaved family for the loss of George who was the pillar of strength to Malawi football and Wanderers.

“George will be remembered for reorganisation of Be Forward Wanderers to its current status as well as his contribution both as a player and team manager. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

“To the general public please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused,” reads part of the flagship league governing body’s statement.

And in their statement released by GS Mike Butao, the Nomads said they were in a state of shock and at a loss of words with the death of Chamangwana.

“George was the face of Wanderers having led and literally carried the team for over a decade. Our loss is beyond words. We console the Chamangwana family and share their sorrow.”

Wanderers longest-serving player Joseph Kamwendo and staunch fan Yona Malunga described him as a unique leader who would go out of his way for the good of the team.

Said Kamwendo: “Words fail me really. When you talk about passionate officials that we have had, George is among those that stood out. For me, I will remember him for the role he played in shaping my career as a teenager at the turn of the millennium. He was always a source of inspiration to us players.

“He was a diehard, someone who was ready to sacrifice for the betterment of the team and the team is where it is now because of him. You will forgive me, but to me it’s more about celebrating his life and contribution. What a loss!”

On his part, Malunga said: “I knew him from his playing days at Wanderers Youth in the 1980s. Wanderers was everything to him. He was very humble and during my tenure as supporters committee chairperson, we had a sound working relationship because he would take time to listen and act on suggestions if they were appropriate. We will miss him for sure.”

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu and Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) board chairperson James Chuma described him as a great ambassador of football.

Said Nyamilandu: “He was someone who committed his life to football since he was young. He will be deeply missed.”

Former Bullets GS Higger Mkandawire said:  “It is a big loss, we worked tirelessly with George to bring back the rhythm associated with the Blantyre derby. I went to see hi at Thyolo District Hospital alongside former Wanderers GS David Kanyenda and Yona a couple of weeks ago and we had a good chat.”

Former Sulom president Henry Chibowa, who played alongside the deceased at Wanderers, said: “Very sad losing such an industrious football player and administrator, fellow player and my in-law.”

Chamangwana, who is survived by a wife and a daughter, started his playing career at Wanderers Youth in 1984 before being promoted to the senior team two years later. He made a few appearances for the Flames between 1987 and 1988.

After his retirement he became the Nomads team manager before he rose to the position of chairperson about five years ago. n

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