Mpinganjira to honour legends

Business mogul and philanthropist Thomson Mpinganjira will on Sunday honour 16 football legends for their contribution towards the Flames success during their playing days.

The function, to be graced by Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire, is scheduled for Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.

 In an interview yesterday Mpinganjira, who is also president and board chairperson of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC, said the idea to honour the legends came after a brief chat he had with them during a Super League of Malawi fundraiser in Lilongwe on March 30.

 He said: “I was impressed with their organisation and the way they operate. I was keen to find  out where they are and what they are doing.  I remembered the good old days when we enjoyed watching them at Kamuzu Stadium [in Blantyre].”

The legends, who operate under JK Productions, said they feel honoured by Mpinganjira’s gesture.

Their board’s chairperson and founder Jim Kalua said in an interview yesterday that those to be honoured are some of the members of the squads that won the 1978 and 1979 Confederation of East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) Senior Challenge Cup, qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 1984, won bronze at the All Africa Games in 1987 and won the 1988 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.

 He said: “Our legends are divided into four categories according to seniority and we have category A which comprises those that played in the 1970s, then category B are those that starred in 1980s. The third category, known as category C, comprises those that qualified for the 2010 Afcon and finally we have those that played for five years and above which is category D. But for now, we have only considered those in categories A and B.”

Kalua, a banker and passionate football administrator, also said only members of the association have been considered.

He also said during the luncheon, they will announce the rebranding of the organisation to Football Legends Association.

Kalua thanked Mpinganjira for what he described as a rare gesture. He said the Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire will be the guest of honour.

 One of the legends, Kinnah Phiri, also thanked Mpinganjira.

 “This rarely happens. While others wait to appreciate some people’s contributions when they are dead, Dr. Mpinganjira is setting a good example by leading the way. He also has great passion for football,” he said.

 Those to be honoured are Yasin Osman, Kinnah, Spy Msiska, Collins Thewe, Dennis Saidi, Thom Kazembe, Lieutenant General Clement Kafuwa (retired), Young Chimodzi, Gilbert Chirwa, Peterkins Kayira, Mphatso Namwali, Austin Nyondo, McDonald Singo, Lawrence Waya, Charles Phiri, Chance Gondwe and Mabvuto Lungu.