The Minister of sports Hon Ulemu Msungama on Friday graced the book launch by one of Malawis celeberated footballers Chancy Vinny Gondwe .Gondwe, long retired from the game launched the book ” The untold history of Malawi Football ” which is a reflection of the development of football in Malawi these past 50 years, as told in a biographical nature by the legend.
Making his commentary , Msungama said had already skimmed through the book and feel enriched by reading the stories of football and also of Chancey’s personal journey, rise to international soccer stardom, conversion to Christianity and transition into a trained Pastor. The book was ghost written by Rev Reuben Chilera
Chancy Gondwe remains one of the success stories of Malawians football. After plying his trade with Nyasa Bullets , then Bata Bullets he found himself breaking through and going to play professional football in south Africa. He earned himself a legendary status there after playing for teams like Mamelodi sundowns and Bloemfontein Celtic. His out of the field antics though brought his fall from grace, a story he vividly narrates in his book. Gondwe has repented and is now a man of the cloth, but still recounts his regrettable experiences and lifestyle when he still played soccer.
Gondwe says he is a good example of players who rose high in their career but achieved very little partly due bad behaviour. He says football players should now have managers who can guide them in their life styles and management of finances.
“I told Reverend Chilera that he will be writing what I will actually be telling him. The book is a true reflection of me. It’s a book that sometimes makes me nearly cry when I read it
In his speech , the sports minister said he encourages all Malawians to inculcate the culture of reading, because that is the only way we can remain on the cutting edge and stay knowledgeable and relevant in this fast moving world.
“In a special way, and on behalf of Chancy Gondwe and all football fans, I would like to thank the President, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for the support rendered to sports development in general and Gondwe’s book project in particular. The President bought 20 copies of the book and contributed One Million Kwacha to the book fund. He instructed that the books be donated on his behalf, to the National Library so that Gondwe’s insights and experiences in football can be passed on to both upcoming and existing athletes. He has reserved one copy for himself. I also bought a copy and contributed five hundred thousand to the same”.
