By KALUMIANA KALUMIANA –
FORMER Power Dynamos defender Michelo Malawo is dead. The hard-tackling left-back died in Kitwe yesterday after an illness and will be put to rest today in Kitwe.
Malawo is survived by a wife and four children.
His death was confirmed by Power Dynamos secretary Ricky Mamfunda in a statement yesterday.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our ex-player Michelo Malawo. Michelo passed on at Kitwe Central Hospital in the early hours of Tuesday, 3rd November 2015 following an illness,” Mamfunda said.
Mamfunda said Malawo’s funeral was being held at his home at house number 264, Ndeke Extension.
Malawo joined Power in 2002 from Ndola United under the late Ben Bamfuchile before retiring in 2006 due to an injury he sustained in a 1-1 away draw against Nchanga Rangers in October 2005.
He fitted straight into the team filling the boots of Mannase Mwanza, who had left for Highlanders in Zimbabwe, on the left flank.
Malawo, who was never capped despite his talent, became famous for his rugged defending and powerful runs on the left wing.
He also had an unforgettable moment in the 2005 season with an own-goal in a 1-1 home draw against Red Arrows before Power salvaged a last-minute equaliser.
Malawo was part of Power’s backline that comprised Billy Mwanza, Stephen Kunda and Lombe Kaluba in a team that also had in its midst John Munkonje and then upcoming midfielder Isaac Chansa, strikers John Lomami and Francis Kombe that finished second in 2002 and third in 2005.
Malawo, however, did win some silverware at Power, lifting a Cup double with victories in the Coca-Cola and Mosi Cups.