By Isaac Salima:
The football fraternity is in a state of shock following the death of TNM Super League side Chitipa United assistant coach Gift Mkamanga, who collapsed on the sidelines of a Caf B Licence coaching course at Mpira Village in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre, Thursday.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Communications and Competitions Manager Gomezgani Zakazaka said Mkamanga was discovered lying unconscious in a bathroom in his room at the facility.
“He was in the course of attending the training and Thursday his colleagues discovered that he was not coming out for breakfast. They tried to call him but his phone just kept ringing inside his room. When they opened the door, they found him lying unconscious. We are saddened by his demise and our deep condolences go to his entire family,” Zakazaka said.
He said Mkamanga’s body was taken to Kamuzu University of Health Sciences for postmortem.
Super League of Malawi also condoled Mkamanga’s family through a press statement.
“The Super League of Malawi is shocked and saddened with the demise of Gift Mkamanga, the esteemed assistant coach of Chitipa United FC. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and the entire Chitipa United community during this difficult time. Mkamanga’s legacy will forever be remembered in our hearts and on the field.
“May Gift Kamanga’s soul rest in peace and may his legacy continue to inspire us all. In light of this sad development, please note that the match of Chitipa versus Moyale, which was scheduled for Saturday [tomorrow], has been postponed to a later date,” the statement reads.
Chitipa General Secretary Watson Kabaghe said the team had lost an important figure.
“I cannot say much as we are waiting for results of the postmortem,” Kabaghe said.
Coaches Association of Malawi General Secretary Davie Mpima said Mkamanga had a bright future.
“He was one of the best coaches in the country. No wonder, he was recommended to take part in the training. It is a big loss to the team and all of us,” Mpima said.
Moyale also posted a condolence message on their Facebook page which reads: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Gift’s family, friends and the entire Chitipa United FC community during this difficult time. May his legacy and contributions to the beautiful game be remembered forever.”
Mkamanga joined Chitipa in 2018 and guided the team back to the Super League in 2023 after it got relegated in the previous season.
Last season, he worked with MacDonald Mtetemera in helping the team to finish fourth in the Super League.
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