Esau Kanyenda: Former Premier Soccer League Star Passes Away at Age 43
- Former Premier Soccer League star Esau Kanyenda has passed on at the age of 43 in the United Kingdom
- The news about the former Polokwane City striker's death was announced by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM)
- PSL fans took to social media to pay tributes to the towering striker after the news of his passing was made public
The football world mourns as former Premier Soccer League star Esau Kanyenda has been confirmed dead at the age of 43 on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
Source: Getty Images
The Malawian legend made a dramatic impact during his time at Jomo Cosmos in South Africa, a spell that launched him into prominence across the African football scene and eventually secured him a big-money move to FC Rostov.
He made history as the first Malawian footballer to feature in the UEFA Champions League during his spell with Lokomotiv Moscow. He spent eight years playing in Russia before moving on to a short spell in Denmark.
The tall forward later made his way back to South Africa in 2012 to join Polokwane City and eventually wrapped up his professional career at home with Mighty Wanderers from 2017 to 2019.
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He made 72 appearances for the Flames and found the net 22 times, a record that earned him the nickname "Black Mamba." His impact on the national team cemented his status as one of Malawi’s most celebrated football figures and the fifth-highest scorer in their history.
Kanyenda's death comes after Orlando Pirates announced the passing of one of their young creatives, Thubelihle Hlela, and also the South African rugby player, Sive Tshaka.
Kanyenda dies at 43
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) announced in an official statement that he sadly passed away on the morning of December 2, 2025, in the United Kingdom, where he had been living.
"The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Malawi National Football Team striker, Esau 'Mamba' Kanyenda," the association's statement reads on X.
It was confirmed that he passed away a day after being diagnosed with liver cancer. He released a statement on his official Facebook page after receiving the liver cancer diagnosis and stated that he would fight the illness.
Source: Twitter
"Hello everyone!! Just to let you know that I’m diagnosed with liver cancer here in UK. I’m fighting for this. Need your prayers," he said.
The news of Esau's death gathered several condolence messages from Premier Soccer League fans on social media.
Letlhogonolo Mose said:
"43 years old....very sad....death comes too early for us nowadays😪....cherish those you love while you still have the time....and don't allow them to fall into the trap of supporting Pirates or Sundowns😑. My deepest condolences to his family...May his soul rest in peace 🙏🏾💐"
Harold Chamakh Adam reacted:
"Thank You for Recognising Our Legend. He was an Inspiration to Many Here in Malawi, and we know he is in a better place... Rest in Peace Mamba."
De Watte wrote:
"Man, this guy reminded me of Lesley "Slow Poison" Manyathela. 2 strikers you would take lightly and think they are too slow. Then hurts you when you least expect it. I was surprised one time a Cosmos player said he is one of the fastest, while with Manyathela, Pirates players who played with him then said he's actually the fastest in 100 metres in the whole squad. RIP Esau Kanyenda."
Sdwesheza Masheleng commented:
"I remember him very well playing for Jomo Cosmos with the likes of Russell Muwafulirwa, Rabutla, etc. Easy rest, Khanyenda."
Sebolao Tiisetso shared:
"Hawu Black Mamba madoda!!! I remember him at Jomo Cosmos with the likes of Tico-Tico Bucuane, Benjani Mwaruwari upfront. Farewell Black Mamba 😔🙌🏾🙌🏾."
Mphow Cameroon Mphow added:
"Rest in Peace, Legend 🙏 Message From South Africa To Malawi Family."
SA footballer slumps, dies on pitch
Briefly News also reported that a Mzansi footballer collapsed and died after a league game at the Verulam Recreational Grounds on Todd Street in KwaZulu-Natal.
Witnesses claimed the player appeared fit and in good shape during the game, leaving teammates surprised when he later complained of breathing difficulties.
Source: Briefly News
