He carried no grudges, always cheerful, took each day as it came and did everything with a beautiful touch. He is no more.
One of the finest footballers to emerge from the domestic scene, Yasin ‘Titch’ Osman peacefully breathed his last on Monday at Blantyre Adventist Hospital after a short illness at the age of 75.
According to a tentative programme, Osman, who until his death was Mighty Wanderers technical director (TD), will be laid to rest today at his home village in Balaka.
The Nomads and Flames legend, who was nicknamed ‘Njinga’ for his pace at the peak of his career, became the first player to be bought on the local scene when he crossed the great divide from Mighty Yamaha Wanderers, now Mighty Wanderers to Bata Bullets, now FCB Nyasa Bullets, during the 1967/68 season at 100 pounds.
It was a move that fuelled the rivalry between the age-old rivals.
In an in interview with our sister paper the Weekend Nation in May last year, the former Football Association of Malawi general secretary and Flames coach said: “It wasn’t an easy decision at all. It was a move that stoked up the rivalry between Wanderers and Bullets, considering that I was one of the key players then.”
Wanderers president and board chairperson Thomson Mpinganjira was at pains to come to terms with Osman’s death in an interview on Monday.
With his voice straining with emotion, the business mogul and philanthropist, said: “It’s sad, very sad…It’s a huge loss to the Wanderers family.
“A very calm and cheerful person with great and pleasant personality. We will greatly miss him.”
A statement released by the club, said: “Mr Osman was a dedicated and passionate member of our technical team whose contributions were invaluable. His commitment, professionalism and love for the game left a lasting impact on the team and the entire Wanderers family.”
Bullets acting chief executive officer Albert Chigoga said they were equally shocked with Osman’s death.
He said: “We are all devastated to hear the passing of Yasin. A legendary footballer and administrator, who also played for Bullets.
“Just over the weekend, we saw ‘Titch’ on duty as Wanderers TD. May his soul rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family and our friends Wanderers during this painful period.
“It’s a big loss to the football fraternity.”
Flames legends ‘Senator’ Kennedy Malunga, who played under Osman at Wanderers, Kinnah ‘Electric’ Phiri and Ernest ‘Wire’ Mtawali also paid tributes to the departed legend.
Malunga, who became the first Malawian to play professional football in Europe when he signed for Belgian top side Cercle Brugge, said: “We have lost a true legend of the game. He contributed a lot to the development of football in Malawi in general and to my career.
“He is the one who shaped my career when he promoted me from Wanderers Youth to the senior team. I am so saddened.
“May his soul rest in heavenly peace and may the good Lord be with family during this time.”
On his part, Mtawali said: “Oh my God! We all looked up to ‘Titch’ as our mentor. He was a father figure who taught us a lot in football.”
On the other hand, Kinnah, who is Malawi’s all-time top scorer, said: “I learnt a lot from Yasin and I was his understudy while at secondary school. Apart from being ever jovial, he was a nice person and he will be greatly missed. It is a sad day for our football.”
In a statement released on Monday, FAM also expressed shock and sadness with Osman’s demise.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go to the family, Mighty Wanderers, friends and the Malawi football fraternity,” reads the statement.
Osman played for the Flames from 1966 to 1975 and made 68 appearances.
He played for the Malawi National football Team and Wanderers alongside his brother Alaudin.
As a coach, Osman led the Nomads to several silverware, notably the 1984 national championship as well as their last TNM Super League title in 2017.
