By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE
and GRACE CHAILE-
SURVIVING members of the legendary KK11 Zambia soccer team that reached the 1974 Africa Cup finals and the sports fraternity have described the death of veteran commentator Dennis Liwewe as a great loss to the nation.
Ex-Zambia captain Dickson Makwaza said Liwewe, who passed on yesterday, was regarded as part of the squad because of his passion and immense knowledge on football.
“I have lost a dear friend who was always there for us as a team. He used to attend our training sessions at Independence Stadium and offered his encouragement to the team,” Makwaza said.
Edward Musonda, a former defender, said the popularity of Zambia’s football in the 1970s grew because of the passionate commentaries Liwewe offered.
“We made our names as players through Liwewe’s commentaries, he was a great man who should be remembered for his contributions to the country’s football,” he said.
Richard Stephenson said Liwewe was not just a commentator but that he was also a critical tool that motivated players in the original KK11 squad to perform better.
“Zambia has lost a great man whose exploits on the scene goes beyond borders. He made great contributions to the game and we should always remember him for his impact to football,” he said.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president, Kalusha Bwalya said the country had been robbed of a dignified man, who travelled to many countries with the national team and is credited with having been the first journalist to coin the name KK11 which was accepted by all soccer fans.
Kalusha said Liwewe would be remembered for being in the forefront encouraging the footballers that survived the Gabon Disaster by telling them that not all was lost as Zambia could rise from the ashes.
“We have lost a dignified man who meant so much to the Zambians. His voice back in the times when there was no television was able to paint a vivid picture in our minds of the many historical matches.
Who can forget his charisma, his dramatic descriptions and vibrant radio personality? Dennis Liwewe was a joy to listen to and equally so in person. He will surely be missed,” Kalusha said.
Sports Council of Zambia (SCZ) board chairperson Mwamba Kalenga said the country has been robbed of sports personality who popularised the game of football.
“It’s another sad day for Zambia for the country has lost a moving Encyclopaedia of both Zambian and African football. I remember how Dennis used to keep people glued to the radio and make them visualise his commentaries,” he said.
MultiChoice Zambia general manger Simon Bota, in a statement released by public relations manager Marlon Kananda, said the country has lost a great man who loved the game of football.
“His death is a big loss for the country. We at MultiChoice express our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family members and pray for eternal peace of the departed soul. We sincerely hope that the family will be comforted in their sorrow by the abiding faith we all share in our common Christian cause,” he said.
Veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga said the death of Liwewe will leave an impossible vacuum to fill in Zambian and African football.
“He was a legendary football commentator, who brought football into the homes of many and made them feel as if they were actually at the match. He understood the nuances and technicalities of the beautiful game of football, beyond belief.
He will sadly be missed by all football lovers around the world, the young and old. He has left a lasting legacy and will be remembered by many, in a very special way,” Mwaanga said.
Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili said the death of Liwewe has robbed Zambia of a mentor whose desire was to see the country’s football succeed at all levels.
Kambwili said Liwewe was an accomplished soccer journalist and commentator who endeavoured to pass on his knowledge and skills to the crop of upcoming commentators and that his legacy would live on.
“You cannot talk about Zambian football without the name of Liwewe, he was a legend who has left a trace behind and I can only wish his family God’s guidance,” he said.
Power Dynamos club secretary Ricky Mufunda said Liwewe has been a household name in Zambia’s football and his passing is a great loss to the country.
“Power Dynamos management and the players would like to send our heartfelt condolences to our committee member Ponga and the entire Liwewe family.”