Benevolent business magnet and philanthropist, Dr. Thomson Mpinganjira is geared to recognise, honour and induct sixteen Malawian football icons into a ‘hall of appreciation’ for bringing pride, prestige and grandeur to the country during the footballing illustrious years of Malawi national team’s historic achievements in the late 1970s and 1980s.
This awe-inspiring gesture of Dr. Mpinganjira’s zest in holding in highest esteem the people who gave their all to put the country on the footballing man is a clear attestation of his unadulterated commitment to not only develop sports but also to equally support the players and recognise their dedication, commitment and personal sacrifice to the game.
Dr. Mpinganjira, a shrewd football management connoisseur, will officially bestow honour and pay tribute to the deserving sixteen national football heroes with astute at a ceremony to be held at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe this Sunday, May 6th.
As a major sponsor and stakeholder as well as the president of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, Dr. Mpinganjira, has displayed unmatched passion for football and his immeasurable desire to give back to the people.
Through his company, Ekhaya Farms Foods Limited, Dr. Mpinganjira will be honouring the legends, who were part of the Flames squads that won the East and Central Africa Senior Challenge Cup in 1978 and 1979, as well as those who qualified for the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, finished third at the 1987 All Africa Games, and won the 1988 East and Central Africa Senior Challenge Cup.
Among the celebrated legends that will honoured for their massive contribution to the glorious streak of time include, Kinna Phiri, Young Chimodzi, Kennedy Malunga, Peterkins Kayira, Lawrence Waya and Chancy Vinny Gondwe among others.
To go forward, they say, you have to know where you are coming from and perhaps this is what Dr. Mpinganjira is doing, making sure that the past heroes are honoured on order to encourage the new crop of players to borrow a leaf of success from their elders.
Former Malawi national team, Bata Bullets and MDC United prolific defender Lawrent Chief Kamanga said Mpinganjira’s gesture is must be applauded as he is not only a recognising the legends’ enormous contributions to Malawian football, but also it is an encouragement to others to support and appreciate their achievements.
“This is commendable. This is not only an honour for the legends it is a befitting recognition for everyone who played for the country in the past, those playing now and those to come in the future,” Kamanga said.
Kamanga, who was a versatile defender in his heyday and could play anywhere at the back, in middle of the park or upront says Dr. Mpinganjira’s dedication and commitment to the game and his drive in promoting sports development in Malawi is evident in his support for various sports initiatives, and this ceremony is a fitting tribute to the pioneers of Malawian football.
Former Malawi National team captain and coach and erstwhile Mighty Wanderes towering defender Meck Mwase said: “This is great news. These legends put up a gallant fight for the country to triumph on the continental stage. Kudos to Dr. Mpinganjira.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire, who will preside the event as a guest of honour, says the government appreciate the role Dr. Mpinganjira plays towards the development of sports in the country.
The football legends, who have been instrumental in shaping the country’s football history, will be honored for their dedication, hard work, and passion for the beautiful game.
Dr. Mpinganjira is the first individual to honour football legends in the country.
The government, the football legends, football lovers and the entire country are grateful for Dr.Mpinganjira’s selflessness and support towards the game.
“This is commendable.”
Lawrent Chief Kamanga
Former National team, Bullets and MDC United defender.
