Hearty tributes

Two of Malawi’s most celebrated athletes, Women’s football icon Tabitha Chawinga and former world boxing champion Isaac ‘Golden Boy’ Chilemba have paid tribute to departed Vice-President Saulos Chilima, describing him as a “great inspiration to the youth” in the country.

The Veep and eight others were killed in a plane crash in Mzimba on Monday.

In an interview on Thursday, the Scorchers captain said she will always have fond memories of her meeting with Chilima in June last year.

With her voice straining with emotion, the former Inter Milan Feminine and Paris Saint Germain (PSG) Women’s star, said: “Before I met him, I thought I knew him, but it was only after the interaction we had that I came to appreciate who he really was.

“He spoke with passion about his wish to see many more youths following my footsteps and making it big not only in sports circles, but in other fields as well.

“The Veep kept saying I should not lose the hunger and be satisfied with what I had achieved, but to strive for more and that stuck in my mind.”

Tabitha said the Veep further said she was the hero and not him and that she deserved honour for flying the country’s flag high.

She said: “He also told my manager that he would be there at any time in times of need to offer his support.

“There were times that I even forgot we were with the whole Vice-President because he appeared very relaxed and made us all feel at home. To be honest, it was something I least expected. I thought everything would be formal.

“So, when I learnt about his situation [on Monday], I prayed for him and the others too. And as we go through this tragedy my thoughts are with the families of the bereaved and may the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.”

Chilima met Tabitha when she won the 2022/23 Serie A Feminine golden boot, becoming the first African to achieve that feat.

During the meeting, Tabitha assured Chilima that she would continue flying the Malawi flag high.

“I also learn a lot from you when you repeatedly say we must die a little for the Malawi flag. This is what I did when I won the [Italian] golden boot and I will continue doing that,” she said then.

During that meeting, Chilima said: “As a country, we must encourage, celebrate and protect your brand. We must all rally behind you and support you as you soar higher.”

On his part, Chilemba said he was shocked when he learnt about the tragedy.

He said: “It was a heartbreak…He was such a great man and a great inspiration for the young generation.

“It is unfortunate that I didn’t get to meet him, but I spoke to him on the phone a couple of times. He was a humble and great human and he said I would want you to be world champion again.

“I was eagerly looking forward to the day I would meet him. Sadly, it didn’t happen. I pray for his soul and for the other eight distinguished souls we lost.”

Chilima, who served the country as Veep for 10 years, will be laid to rest at his home village in Nsipe, Ntcheu on Monday.