Kinnah’s book launch fetches K7m

Flames legendary forward Kinnah Phiri got massive support from government, churches and the football fraternity with  K7 million raised in sales during his book launch at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe on Saturday.

The book, Four Legged Wizard, is about Phiri’s exploits and the untold stories of Malawi football in the past four decades.

Enlightened Christian Gathering leader Prophet Shepherd Bushiri bought his copy at a whopping K5 million.

Youth and Sports Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda bought a copy at K500 000.

Others that supported Phiri on the evening included Football Association of Malawi (FAM) who bought a copy at K400 000, Nyasa Manufacturing Company sponsors of Phiri’s former team Nyasa Big Bullets splashed K400 000, Malawi National Council of Sports chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise grabbed a copy at K450 000.

Phiri expressed gratitude for the support, saying it was motivational.

He said: “I am honoured and overwhelmed by the support from government, through the presence of Honourable Minister of Sports Chimwendo Banda. I believe now from the minister’s commitment made today that the sufferings of the legends are over.

“That’s what drives me to see that legends are not suffering. I am also thankful to Prophet Bushiri, FAM, Nyasa Manufacturing Company, Sports Council and all those who came to show support on this historic day. It is really touching.”

Phiri has also appealled to the corporate world to help alleviate the suffering of legends by giving them jobs or helping them by building houses for them.

He said the book, printed and published by Montfornt Media in Balaka, was written by Leslie Ndovie Jnr alongside himself, with the initial 250 copies selling at K15 000.

Chimwendo Banda described Phiri as a true legend and worth his story being told.

He said: “Let us all learn to honour our heroes, recognise them and use them for the betterment of the sport.The name Kinnah is what everyone wants to be associated with. We are happy to be here as a ministry to support Kinnah.

“As a ministry, we are committed to draw a new contract for Kinnah and give him an encompassing role not limited to football alone. We need to use Kinnah expertise and experience and benefit as a country.  As government, we will ensure that Kinnah and Mary Waya roles at the ministry are maintained for the benefit of the country.”

The minister promised to work towards the betterment of lives of sports personalities both legends and current stars. n