Former Malawi Flames coach Alex Masanjala dies

Masanjala: Photo Credit: Football Association of Malawi.

Former Malawi senior national football team coach Alex Masanjala died on Saturday, June 14, 2025, after a long-term illness, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) confirmed.

Masanjala died at the age of 80 in a hospital in the commercial capital, Blantyre, bringing to a close a successful coaching career that saw him lead the Malawi under-20 team to the 1999 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ghana.

The Zimbabwe-born trainer is credited for grooming most of the current and past coaches, including Kinnah Phiri, Young Chimodzi, Charles Manda, McDonald Mtetemera, ex-FAM president Walter Nyamilandu, Meke Mwase, Gerald Phiri, Dan Dzinkambani, Aubrey Nankhuni, Lovemore Fazili, and Gilbert Chirwa.

For over 35 years, Masanjala coached the national team and local clubs, including Railways, Admarc Tigers, MDC United, and Silver Strikers.

He won his last trophy, leading Civo Service United to the 2010 Presidential Cup for his fifth title in his career.

Masanjala was remembered usually for bad reasons after failing to lead the Flames to the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations finals when his team only needed a draw and had led 1-0 over Mozambique until the last six minutes to fulltime. The Mambas equalized and eventually won 2-1.

Masanjala played for Zimbabwean team Mhangula FC before returning to Malawi in the 1970s to sign for Sucoma FC, where he eventually ventured into coaching.

FAST FACTS

Home of origin: Lipinga Village, T/A Mpama, Chiradzulu, Malawi

Clubs: Played as striker for Mhangula FC in Zimbabwe

Status: Married, father of four

Holds over 14 international qualifications

Started coaching in 1977

Served as deputy coach to the late Matthias Mwenda

Worked as Central and Northern Region coach in Malaw