Yanga SC honors late coach Chamangwana ahead of CAF clash

LILONGWE, Malawi – Tanzanian football giants Young Africans Sports Club paid an emotional tribute to late Malawian coach Jack ‘African Black Stone’ Chamangwana on Friday, hosting his family in Lilongwe ahead of their CAF Champions League fixture against Silver Strikers.

The Wananchi delegation, led by club chairman Eng. Hersi Said, invited Chamangwana’s widow Elizabeth, his son Frank, and granddaughter Ashley to a special ceremony recognizing the legendary coach’s contributions to the club’s success.

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Said, who also serves as President of the African Club Association, described the occasion as an opportunity to publicly acknowledge Chamangwana’s impact on Yanga SC during his tenure in the early 2000s.

“It’s an honor for the family to be part of our team, Yanga SC, your club from Tanzania,” Said told the gathering. “We felt it was important to come and show our appreciation for what late Chamangwana did for this team. He led us to success in local tournaments, winning two trophies under his guidance in 2004 and 2005.”

The chairman revealed that the team was affectionately known as “Jack Boys” during Chamangwana’s reign, a testament to the coach’s influence and popularity. The club presented the family with a certificate of appreciation and a financial gift.

Granddaughter Ashley Chamangwana accepted the honor on behalf of the family, describing her grandfather as someone who “dedicated his life to football on and off the pitch.”

“He talked, breathed, dreamed, and walked football,” she said. “He touched many lives inside and outside the sport. He coached and served as Youth Development Officer for Yanga SC for several years, including leading them to victory in the Tanzanian Premier League.”

Elizabeth Chamangwana expressed gratitude for the club’s continued remembrance of her late husband. “Jack never forgot Yanga. He always talked about the club and how happy he was to coach here,” she said. “Continue to make Jack proud wherever he is.”

Chamangwana served Yanga SC in multiple capacities during the early 2000s, working as Youth Development Officer, Head Coach, and later Technical Director. He returned to the dugout on an interim basis in 2007 following the departure of Serbian coach Milutin Sredojevic.

Born on April 30, 1957, Chamangwana was a distinguished defender who earned 133 caps for the Malawi National Team, scoring 10 goals. He passed away on May 6, 2018, at the age of 61.

The tribute comes as Yanga SC prepares for their continental assignment, with the gesture highlighting the enduring bonds between East African football clubs and the coaches who shape their histories.