Mixed fortunes for Dedza Dynamos

Sunday was meant to be historic  in a positive sense for TNM Super League newcomers Dedza Dynamos had it not been for the sudden death of their supporters’ chairperson Ackim Magesh.

The 39-year-old died barely minutes after the club registered a 3-2 win over Ekwendeni Hammers at Dedza Stadium, where Dynamos were playing their first home match after Football Association of Malawi (FAM) approved the facility to host competitive matches.

Dynamos general secretary Mabvuto Mugode yesterday said Magesh died after his vehicle  hit a tree at Dedza Golf Club as he drove from the stadium, where he entertained the team’s faithful with his dancing antics as seen in a video clip circulating on social media platforms.

“His sudden death will create a big gap considering that he was not only the supporters’ chairperson, but also assisted in almost all sectors of the team,” he said.

Mugode said it was painful that the approval of Dedza Stadium to host Super League games was like bidding farewell to Magesh.

“He was in the forefront, along with some of the team’s executive members and people from Dedza District Council, to maintain the stadium. It is hard to accept that he is gone. We will always miss him and may his soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu yesterday mourned the football fanatic, saying his death is a big loss to Malawi football.

“We have learnt with deep shock and sadness the sudden death of Magesh, a cheerful fan that made football come to life in Dedza. This is heartbreaking. What a loss! May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

The body of the late Magesh, who came from Sawmill Village in Traditional Authority Kaphuka in Dedza is expected to be laid to rest today at his home Village.

He is survived by a wife and three children,

Meanwhile, had it not been for the sad news, Sunday would have also been  memorable day for Promise Kamwendo who steered Dedza to  a home victory with the first his hat-trick of the season in the top-flight league.

The 22-year-old said he was  happy to  score his first hat-trick in a Super League match.

He said: “Scoring a hat-trick in the top-flight league was the best thing to happen to me in my football career.

“It’s just sad that I could not celebrate following the death of Magesh who loved this team dearly and I dedicate the three goals to his departed soul.

“Nevertheless, I have a belief that I will score more. It is just a matter of time.”

Kamwendo’s hat-trick took his tally to four.