Former Flames striker Esau Kanyenda, affectionately known as “Mamba,” has passed away in the United Kingdom after battling liver cancer.

On December 1st, 2025, Kanyenda shared on Facebook that he was fighting the disease and asked fans to keep him in their prayers.

The 45-year-old footballer had been living in the UK since retiring from professional football in 2018, with his final club being Mighty Wanderers.

Kanyenda began his career in 1998 with Dwasco Football Club and quickly rose to prominence. He enjoyed successful spells in South Africa with Jomo Cosmos and Polokwane City, as well as in Russia with Lokomotiv Moscow, FC Kamaz, Rotor Volgograd, and Dynamo Bryansk.

Kanyenda will be remembered as one of Malawi’s most talented forwards, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both domest

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