Former Wanderers defender Chingeni no more

Former Be Forward Wanderers left-back Sydney Chingeni died on Monday evening at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre after an illness.

Football Players Association of Malawi (FPAM) chairperson Ojukwu Malunga confirmed Chingeni’s demise, saying burial is scheduled for today [Thursday] at HHI Cemetery in Blantyre.

“Mourners are gathered at his Zingwangwa Township home. We have lost someone who was a source of encouragement to up-and-coming players and was also in the forefront of fighting for players’ rights,” he said.

Chingeni, 47, played for the Nomads between 1986 and 1992 and despite several Flames call-ups, he never earned a cap.

Wanderers legend Jack Chamangwana described the late Chingeni as a talented defender.

“We signed him at Wanderers when I was coach and he could play either as a right or left back. He was such a good defender and his death is shocking,” said Chamangwana.

Chingeni, who at the time of his death was a business person, is survived by a wife and five children. n