By McLloyd Kudzingo
The Malawian football community is mourning former junior Flames, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Mighty Tigers defender, Kondwani Lufeyo who died on Friday morning at Queen Elizabeth Central hospital in Blantyre.
His former club Mighty Mukuru Wanderers has described Lufeyo as a dedicated player who helped the club to win their last TNM Super League silverware in 2017.
“The Wanderers family is truly grateful for his service and dedication to the club from 2014 to 2017. Kondwani will be remembered for his immense contribution to the club including being part of the squad that won the TNM Super League in 2017,” reads a statement released by the club.
Wanderers rivals, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets took to social media to mourn the fallen former football star.
A statement on the club’s Facebook page reads, “FCB Nyasa Big Bullets is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC player, Kondwani Lufeyo. Everyone at Bullets sends their sincere condolences to Kondwani’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Capital city giants Silver Strikers also joined other football clubs and football followers in mourning Lufeyo.
“Our hearts are heavy with sorrow as we mourn the loss of talented athlete and cherished member of the football community, Kondwani Lufeyo. May his legacy inspire us to honor his memory with each step we take on and off the field,” reads the statement by the club in part.
Football Association of Malawi president Freetwood Haiya described Lufeyo as a versatile defender who decorated Malawi’s football in many ways.
“Let me join all football lovers as we salute the efforts of Mr Lufeyo towards the development of football as a player both for clubs and country.
We mourn together with the family on this very sad loss of a young man whose football career brought much excitement to the football fraternity,” he said.
“Rest thee well my former Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Mighty Tigers defender Kondwani Lufeyo. May Your Soul Rest In Peace,” wrote former Flames striker, Essau Kanyenda on his Facebook page.
Lufeyo who also played for the defunct Masters Security Football Club, was part of the Malawi U-17 squad that represented the country at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup alongside the likes of Limbikani Mzamva, Luka Milanzi and the late Tony Chisulo.
Born on 12 November, 1992, Kondwani who was younger brother to former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets player Jerries Lufeyo, succumbed to Kidney failure on Friday,April 19, 2024.
The death of Lufeyo comes just a day after the death of former Minister of Sports and Sports analyst, Moses Dosi.
