As people from all walks of life converged on Mazale Village, T/A Kapeni, Blantyre to bury Davie Mpesi on Saturday, removed FAM technical director Jack Chamangwana took advantage to put the deceased’s coaching career in perspective.
In his eulogy, on behalf of the football fraternity, Chamangwana said being fired is a painful reality of the coaching profession.
Mpesi, who was coach for Chikhwawa United, died in Mzuzu after a car accident in Rumphi last week.
“Ntchito yaukochi ndiyochotsedwa chotsedwa [In coaching, you always get fired]. Malemu Mpesi adagwira ntchito bwino ndi matimu ambiri [the late Mpesi worked successfully with many clubs]. Amati akawachotsa ndi kuwaitananso kambirimbiri [He would be fired only to be reengaged],” said Chamangwana.
He said this before a huge crowd that included removed Flames coach Kinnah Phiri, ex-Flames team manager Stuart Mbolembole and former goalkeeper trainer McHodges Chunga.
Kinnah attracted some attention when after director of ceremonies announced his presence, a good part of the gathering, especially those from Lunzu, demanded to see him. Kinnah obliged through standing.
Other high profile names at the funeral included Peter Mponda, Sports Council board member Dean Pinto, Super League of Malawi general secretary Williams Banda, ex-Escom coach Charles Manda, Azam Tigers coach Leo Mpulula and ex-Escom United assistant coach Aubrey Nankhuni.
Referees instructor Charles Kafatia and former players such as Crispin, Shadreck Mpesi, Stort Chirwa, Rodgers Yasini, Sherry Msuku, Chikhwawa United chairperson Owen Chomanika and Bullets midfielder Blessings Kawanga also paid their last respects to Mpesi.
Tigers donned their club uniform while Chikhwawa United players, who broke down after viewing the body, slipped in special funeral T-shirts inscribed Dave Mpesi, The Legend.
