Down memory lane
While this year’s Independence Day celebrations will be marked without an international friendly match due to the Covid-19 pandemic, football legends have relived the honour of playing in front of the president and a big crowd in the old days.
Revered former Flames midfielders Ernest ‘Wire’ Mtawali and ‘Senator’ Kennedy Malunga—who went on to ply their trade in top European leagues at the peak of their careers—said playing on Independence Day provided players a platform to showcase their skills.
Mtawali, who made his debut for the national team on July 6 1983 against Uganda, said: “It’s unfortunate that the Covid-19 pandemic has halted football, otherwise representing your country on such a special day and in front of the President is an honour.
“I will never forget my debut because it came on Independence Day. I was only about 18 or 19 then and I went flat out to make an impression. The stadium was always full, but I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. A handshake with the former president [Hastings] Kamuzu Banda was a great feeling.”
Mtawali, who played in the Argentina and French top-flight leagues, also recalled that his Flames comeback was on July 6 after Fifa lifted his ban for playing in the then apartheid South Africa in 1992. The Flames played Swaziland (now e-Swatini) and he scored one of the goals as Malawi triumphed 3-1.
On his part, Malunga who played for Cercle Brugge in Belgium, said: “It was always fun playing in front of a mammoth crowd. It was the best experience for any player. It was such a wonderful feeling playing in front of a big crowd, including Kamuzu Banda.”
Lawrence ‘Lule’ Waya, considered one of the best forwards to have emerged on the domestic scene, said playing on July 6 was an honour “as we always looked forward to handshake with the President.
“Kamuzu’s handshake was motivating and we played with all our hearts knowing that it was our special day and that the president was watching us.”
Former midfielder Joseph Kamwendo said it is unfortunate that in the recent past, international games have not been part of the programme to celebrate Independence Day.
Said the former Flames captain who retired last year: “For the national team to play on July 6 was a tradition. It’s sad that these days local clubs have a chance to play on such a big occasion.
“I remember scoring the lone goal against Zambia in 2012 which was one of Malawi’s rare victories over Chipolopolo and it was all because as players, we were motivated representing our nation on such an important occasion.
“I urge the authorities to consider having an international game involving the Flames, we need to keep up with tradition.”
FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said the exclusion of football in this year’s activities due to Covid-19 is a sign that the game has been severely impacted by the pandemic.
“Ordinarily, football would have played a part in the independence celebrations.
“We will miss out, but there is nothing much we can do because the circumstances are beyond our control,” he said.
