By Blessings Makuwira & Mabvuto Kambuwe:
At exactly 11.50am Tuesday, the body of Malawi’s football legend Yasin ‘Njinga’ Osman was lowered into the grave at Balaka Estate, Bawi, in Ntcheu District.
It was the end of an eventful journey.
Gone is one of Malawi’s distinguished footballers, coaches and administrators.
Indeed, Osman, popularly known as ‘Tichi’ in domestic football, had run his race— spanning 75 years.
Osman, who was until his death Mighty Wanderers technical director, died suddenly on Monday at Blantyre Adventist Hospital after collapsing on Sunday.
Probably, words of one of his relatives, Shane Hassen, who spoke on behalf of the family, summed up the mood at Bawi Tuesday.
The football fraternity and family members were mute as Hassen delivered his words.
“We have lost a pillar to our family. He was, indeed, a pillar. We cannot believe it,” Hassen said.
On his part, Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Vice President Madalitso Kuyera said Osman’s legacy would last forever.
“Malawi has lost a dedicated and hardworking football administrator, hence his legacy will be remembered forever,” Kuyera said.
In an interview, former Flames coach Kinnah Phiri said Osman was a great person and that he would be missed.
“It is a big loss to the nation. We have lost a true legend of the game,” Phiri said.
The Wanderers’ family, led by club president and board chairperson Thomson Mpinganjira, and players were in sombre mood.
Several coaches and players from all walks of life attended the funeral ceremony at Bawi.
Members of Football Legends Association (FLA), led by vice board chairperson Justin Saidi, Young Chimodzi Senior, Lawrence Waya, Rashid Ntelera, Peterkins Kayira and Lovemore Fazili, among others, attended the ceremony.
Meanwhile, President Lazarus Chakwera has also expressed sadness over Osman’s death.
“The First Lady and I are saddened at the passing of Malawi’s iconic national football player, coach and administrator Mr. Yasin Osman.
“May the passing of Yasin Osman renew our commitment as government and society to the development of sports in general and football in particular. May his memory inspire our boys and girls, involved in various sporting disciplines, to hone their skills to the highest level possible in order to reach his legendary status,” the statement from State House reads.
Osman will always have a special place in the archives of domestic football after he became the first player to be bought when he crossed the floor from Wanderers to Bullets in 1967.
His transfer from Wanderers to Bullets deepened the rivalry between the two sides.
At the peak of his career, he played for the Flames and made 68 appearances.
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