Rachael Kaphaizi
Tragedy has struck again at the Lufeyo family. In a space of 17 months, we have lost two brothers. After losing Kondwani last year, today, it is Kondwani’s elder brother Jelesi.
Both were football players with Kondwani playing for Mighty Wanderers and was part of their 2017 TNM Super League winning squad while Jelesi played for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers.
Kondwani, born on 12th November 1992, died on 19th April 2024 at the age of 31. Jelesi, born on 28 August 1990, died today at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Jelesi, a talented midfielder was part of the Bullets squad that won the league in 2014.
He joined Bullets in 2005. In 2013, Jelesi returned to Bullets from Mozambique before being loaned out to EPAC FC.
When the club was struggling in getting results, Bullets had tried to recall him on October 13 2013 but the move was turned down by the Super League of Malawi (SULOM). In 2014 he returned to Bullets and helped them win the league.
Jelesi was part of the squad that played in the CAF Champions League against Fomboni FC in 2015 and AI Hilal. He was then loaned to Civo United in 2016 before going to Wizards FC in 2017.
At Bullets he played with the likes of Fischer Kondowe, Dalitso Sailesi, James Chilapondwa, Davie Ng’ambi, Victor Limbani, Chimango Kayira, Diverson Mlozi, Heston Munthali and Henry Kabichi.
On his part, Heston Munthali, now coaching Bullets Reserve, says he will remember Jelesi as someone who had a good character both on and off the field.
“He was friendly to everyone, he encouraged his fellow players to fight hard on the pitch. Mostly, he was a hardworking person who contributed much to the team, he could even score crucial goals,” said Munthali.
Kabichi said will also remember the late Jelesi as someone with good character, who encouraged his fellow players.
“He was someone who encouraged us to work extra hard even when we were down, he was well disciplined and friendly. He was very hard working and a good example to us,” said Kabichi.
Higger Mkandawire, who was the general secretary for the club describes Jelesi as a talented midfielder who was well disciplined and also a dedicated Bullets supporter.
“He was disciplined and a dedicated player. Without enough money at the club, Jelesi worked hard,” he said.
