Nomads say Kanyenda in UK on holiday
Be Forward Wanderers insist that their veteran forward Esau ‘Black Mamba’ Kanyenda has travelled to the United Kingdom on holiday and they expect him to return to Lali Lubani Road.
Nomads team manager Stevie Madeira was reacting to reports that the battle-hardened forward has called it time on his lengthy and distinguished playing career spanning over two decades and has gone to UK for further studies.
Kanyenda, who has been with the Nomads since the second round of 2017 season, left for the UK on Thursday following the expiry of his year-long contract.
“Of course, Esau’s contract has expired, but he has travelled to England with his family for holiday and we expect him back before the 2019 season starts and that is what we know.
“If there are any developments, he will let us know,” he said.
Kanyenda confirmed to The Nation that he was in the UK, but provided no further details.
The ‘Black Mamba’ played an integral part when the Nomads ended their 11-year TNM Super League title drought in 2017, scoring in six consecutive second-round matches.
Kanyenda, 37, had spent 16 years plying his trade abroad before he joined Wanderers, having made a breakthrough in 2001 after signing for the then South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Jomo Cosmos.
He became an instant hit at the Johannesburg-based side where he missed the Golden Boot Award by a whisker the following year when he finished second.
Kanyenda was also named 2002 Cosafa Castle Cup Player of the Series after inspiring the Flames to the finals. He clinched a deal with Russian top league side FC Rostov the following year.
He also had a stint with Russian giants Lokomotiv Moscow between 2005 and 2007 where he became the first Malawian to play in the Uefa Champions League. Kanyenda also had a stint with Danish lower league side B93 before returning to South Africa where he signed for Polokwane City.
