By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE–
A SOMBRE atmosphere characterised the burial of Masautso Mwale yesterday with Government saying the Nkana coach has left an indelible mark on Zambian football.
Levy Mwanasawasa Stadium in Ndola was painted red as scores of soccer fans and people from all walks of life thronged the arena to pay their last respects to Mwale, who died on Friday in a car crash along the Ndola-Kitwe dual carriage way.
It was a send-off befitting a hero’s status as fans clad in various replica outfits were joined by senior Government officials, football administrators and coaches among others to bid farewell to a man described by many as a torch bearer of upcoming coaches in the country.
Players and officials from various clubs among them Zesco United, Power Dynamos, Roan United, Konkola Mine Police, Nchanga Rangers, Lime Hotspurs, Forest Rangers and Ndola United were clad in their respective colours in solidarity to their Nkana counterparts.
The mood became more solemn as Nkana players, clad in black suits and red shirts, carrying Mwale’s copper casket, accompanied by the Zambia Sports Fans Association (ZASPOFA) brass band, made way into the stadium.
Bible Gospel Church In Africa (BIGOCA) presiding bishop, Peter Ndhlovu, who conducted the funeral service, offered words of encouragement to the mourners.
Ndhlovu quoted the Holy Bible scripture from Ecclesiastes 9:10 that states ‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave where you go’.
Sports Deputy Minister Christopher Mulenga said the Mwale was a gallant son of Zambia, who has left an indelible mark on Zambian football.
Mulenga said Mwale inculcated values of Christianity in football, a trend that gave birth to the popular ‘Favour’ slogan among the soccer fraternity and that his legacy must be emulated by all soccer loving Zambians.
“As a nation, we will always remember Masauso as one of the greatest contributors to the development of soccer in this country. Through his coaching career, which he passionately pursued at all times, we will all vividly remember how he stirred Nkana in 2013 to lift the Premier league title, I would, therefore, urge everyone of us to do our best in all our endeavours,” he said.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) vice president Boniface Mwamelo who spoke on behalf of his president Kalusha Bwalya, said Mwale was a uniting factor through his coaching skills.
“He was a successful coach and a very important member of the football fraternity. He always put God first in all the teams he coached and we will greatly miss him,” he said.
Nkana club chairperson John Chiwele, who also spoke on behalf of Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) management, said Mwale proved himself at the club as he brought back the glory days to the Wusakile boys after winning the 2013 league title.
“Under coach Mwale’s guidance, Nkana has become one of the most disciplined teams in the country and within a year of his appointment at the club, he delivered the championship, he will be missed by all,” he said.
Chipolopolo coach Patrice Beaumelle urged Nkana players to deliver more silverware in honour of Mwale.
Other people who paid tributes included the late Mwale’s two daughters Blessing and Lute, sports journalist Chiko Mukoka, Nkana supporters associations chairperson David Mensah and ZASPOFA strongman Peter Makembo.
Mwale, who is survived by a wife Matildah and four children, was put to rest at Kansenshi Cemetery in Ndola.