Giants Mighty Wanderers and FCB Nyasa Bullets will honour fallen football legend Yasin ‘Titch’ Osman when they meet in the TNM Super League at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre today.
Osman, considered as one of the finest footballers to emerge on the domestic scene, died on April 21 in Blantyre after a short-illness.
The Nomads and Flames legend, was the first player to be bought on the local scene when he crossed the great divide from Yamaha 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.
In an interview with Weekend Nation in May last year as he puffed a cigarette, Osman said: “It wasn’t an easy decision at all. It was a move that stoked up the rivalry between Wanderers and Bullets, considering that I was one top players then.”
A statement signed by Wanderers brands and marketing manager Greyson Chapita, reads: “As hosts of the highly anticipated Blantyre derby, Mighty Wanderers FC and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have jointly agreed to honour the late Yasin Salim Osman — the renowned architect of the Blantyre derby — who passed away exactly 40 days ago.
“In recognition of his immense contribution to Malawian football, a portrait of the late Osman will be carried onto the pitch before kick-off. This will be followed by a moment of silence at the centre-circle in his honour.”
The statement further says they have also extended a special invitation to members of the Osman family to watch the match from the VIP Stand, “as we join hands in celebrating the legacy of a man who shaped the history of this great rivalry”.
In an interview, Bullets acting chief executive officer Albert Chigoga said: “It is an honour to the departed legend and all the stakeholders who enjoyed his contribution to the game of football.
“The late Yassin Osman played for both Wanderers and Bullets. So, this is the perfect stage to celebrate his life.”
Osman, who at the time of his death was Wanderers technical director, was nicknamed ‘Njinga’ at the peak of his career for his blinding pace down the flanks, made 68 appearances for the Flames between 1966 and 1975, scoring 22 goals.
He played for Wanderers, Michiru Blue Cross and the Malawi National Football Team alongside his brother Alaudin, a seasoned journalist.
He had a number of stints as Wanderers coach, famously guiding them to their last TNM Super League title in 2017. He also led them to the national championship in 1984, two years before the formation of the flagship league.
‘Titch’ also served as Football Association of Malawi general secretary twice.
