Ex-PSL star Kanyenda reveals serious health status

Former South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) star Esau Kanyenda has earned an outpouring of sympathy and goodwill after disclosing his serious health status.

The former Jomo Cosmos FC and Polokwane City striker has lived an active life on social media commenting on football matters for South Africa and Malawi.

However, the Flames legend, who left a rich resume in the PSL, shocked the football fraternity with a big announcement on Monday about his private life.

“Hello everyone!! Just to let you know that I’m diagnosed with liver cancer here in UK. I’m fighting for this. Need your prayers,” Kanyenda wrote on his Facebook page on Monday.

The 43-year-old’s Facebook post attracted messages from the Malawi football fraternity with footballers and administrators commenting.

Malawian striker Khuda Muyaba, who plays for newly-crowned Zimbabwe champions Scottland FC also wished Kanyenda well, saying: “Healing mercies, boss.”

Malawi’s FCB Nyasa Big Bullets star Peter Banda, whose late father Chikondi played with Kanyenda in the under-20 in the mid-1990s, also sent goodwill messages.

“Sending you all my support and prayers for a full recovery. You’re an inspiration, and we’ll be thinking of you. Stay strong,” the winger wrote on Facebook.

How Esau Kanyenda turned into big hit in South Africa’s PSL

Kanyenda made a big name in the South Africa football circles after signing for then PSL’s top-flight side Jomo Cosmos FC in 2001 from DWASCO FC. He had impressed back home in Malawi with the under-20 national team.

The former Russia’s Locomotiv Moscow FC’s forward turned into a big hit for Cosmos who now campaign in the third tier of South Africa football league.

The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations’ Flames star scored in four consecutive games, helping Cosmos to win Coca-Cola Cup, emerged as the top scorer and player of the tournament in 2001-2002 season.

Kanyenda scored in seven consecutive league games to eventually finish the 2002 season as the second highest league scorer with 18 goals, one behind Golden Boot Awardee, Lesley Manyathela [deceased].

The Flames legend registered 26 goals in 46 appearances for Cosmos before signing for Russian Premier League outfit Rostov in 2003. After returning to South Africa, Kanyenda found a new home at the then National First Division side, Polokwane City.

He proved to be an inspired buy as he finished his debut season as the top scorer and won the player of the year award, as City earned PSL promotion in 2013. The Malawian spent five seasons with the Rise and Shine.

The Malawian legend, who was a key member of the Flames squad that qualified for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola, has since started a new chapter in his life.

He relocated to the UK to learn coaching ropes and also wants to study sports management, while preparing himself for future challenges in football management.