Revered football legend Yasin Osman was on Tuesday laid to rest amid a sombre mood among hundreds of mourners at Balaka Estate Cemetery in Bawi, Ntcheu District.
The 75-year-old former Mighty Wanderers technical director breathed his last on Monday at Blantyre Adventist Hospital after a short illness.
President Lazaras Chakwera and First Lady Monica paid tribute to the ex-Nomads and FCB Nyasa Bullets forward, describing him as an iconic footballer, coach and administrator.
A statement issued by the State House reads: “Fondly called ‘Tich’ and ‘Njinga’, Mr Osman goes into the list of Malawi’s fallen legends, who took Malawi football to its peak in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
“May the passing of Yasin Osman renew our commitment as government and society to the development of sports in general, and football in particular.
“May his memory inspire our boys and girls, involved in various sporting disciplines to hone their skills to the highest level possible in order to reach his legendary status.”
The late Yasin’s brother Alaudin, a media professional, who also played for Wanderers and the Malawi National Football Team in the 1960’s, thanked the club for valuing valuing his contributions by entrusting him with the technical directo’r role even at his advanced age.
He also appreciated the love that the football fraternity displayed for Yasin.
In his eulogy, Wanderers board secretary Chancy Gondwe, who spoke on behalf of the Nomads’ president and board chairperson Thomson Mpinganjira, said: “We have lost a titanic figure at Wanderers. A towering figure in the corridors of Lali Lubani.
“His transfer from the blue side to the red side of town brought life to what became the bitter rivalry between the two sides of town.”
Gondwe described Osman as dedicated and professional.
“He was an astute administrator and shall always be remembered,” he mourned.
“The company understands that he has a running contract with the club, all terminal dues will be duly honoured for the benefit of the widow and beneficiaries.
“The club has lost.”
Malawi National Council of Sports board chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise, Football Association of Malawi first vice-president Christpher Madalitso Kuyera were among the high-profile figures that attended the ceremony.
Football legends and current players were also in attendance.
Osman 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.
Osman played for the Flames from 1966 to 1975 and made 68 appearances, scoring 22 goals.
Apart from Wanderers and Bullets, he also played for Chichiri Athletics.
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.
