So this year’s Independence Day is passing without the traditional line-up of commemorative activities, chief among them, a friendly football match for our beloved Malawi National Football Team, the Flames.
Coming last on the agenda for the country’s biggest day, football has been undoubtedly the climax of the country’s independence celebrations.
Thousands, who used to brave chilly July weather in those years, would not leave Kamuzu Stadium until the final whistle of the Flames’ match against a foreign opponent.
But the day is passing quietly today, thanks to the country’s economic challenges which forced government to call off any celebration to mark the country’s 52nd independence anniversary.
The only activity earmarked for the day is a national service of worship at the Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe.
While the absence of a football match for the Flames may not be an issue to the current generation of footballers, the golden oldies say an Independence Day without the match was just unimaginable.
A legend of 1980s, Peterkins Kayira, said as national team players looked forward to playing on the big day and ultimately earn a golden handshake from then Life President Ngwazi Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda.
“Shaking hands with Kamuzu was magical in itself. We would work hard in training to make the first 11 so that we shake Kamuzu’s hand.
That handshake pushed us to the extremes in order to win the match in front of the head of state,” Kayira explained.
Another legend, Chancy ‘Vinny’ Gondwe, who played for the team during the reigns of Kamuzu and Bakili Muluzi, said the full-capacity stadium wa s a motivating factor for the Flames.
“You would have all the stands filled to capacity, and even the running track had Kamuzu’s Mbumba all over giving you support. And most important of all, you knew your Head of State and leaders of other countries were in attendance. So, something just kept pushing you to do a good job,” Gondwe narrated.
Another legend of the 1970s and 80s, Rodgers Yasin, also spoke of the difference that Kamuzu’s handshake made to players on July 6.
During last year’s Independence Day celebrations, the Flames beat Uganda’s Cranes 1-0 at the Kamuzu Stadium, through Chiukepo Msowoya’s goal.
It is estimated that government spent about K300million to organise the celebrations last year.
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