The President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino has expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the members of Malawi Club, Nyungwe United Football Club who were involved in a road accident over the weekend
The club’s Players and supporters were travelling on a truck which overturned on their way back and with 22 people confirmed dead and several others injured.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the road accident involving members of Nyungwe United Football Club who were returning after playing a domestic fixture.”
President Infantino added that “My thoughts and prayers are with the people who lost their lives, those who have been injured in this tragic accident, and the staff at the Football Association of Malawi at this difficult time.”
At FIFA’s headquarters, Flags were lowered to half-mast in memory of the departed souls.
FAM President, Walter Nyamilandu described the Club as a community club in which the fans and Players have a special bond.
“We are touched with the gesture that has been demonstrated by FIFA to send such kind sentiments and lower its flags for the sake of the victims of Nyungwe Community in Karonga. It shows that football is one big family and that FIFA is mourning with us.
“We are in deep shock with the tragedy that has befallen us. We share the pain and agony that the community of Nyungwe is going through.
“We understand that the healing process will be hard for the affected families that have lost their loved ones and suffered fatal injuries.
“The tragedy has caused untold suffering and inflicted a traumatic experience that will linger in our memories forever. May the souls of our departed brothers and sisters rest in eternal peace,” said Nyamilandu Manda.
The President who attended the mass funeral at Nyungwe in Karonga on Monday said in his eulogy:
” We were impressed by the stories about the rise of Nyungwe FC which was formed two years ago. This complemented our plans of developing football in rural areas . They joined our Division One League whose objective is to give players a chance to rise through the ranks of our football.
“The tragedy is a setback to the development of the game in Malawi. The sponsor of the team has a vision to see this team rise to the Super League. To the people of Nyungwe we should not let our departed players and supporters dream of one day playing in the Super League die. Let us continue with this project so that the deceased should smile from the above when we get there.
“We would like to thank Government for taking a leading role in taking care of the logistics for this mass funeral. As Football we were worried about how to go about it but government came in very quickly to support us. You have bailed us as football and indeed the people of Nyungwe village. We would like to extend our gratitude to the State President for this support,” said Nyamilandu Manda.
