Soccer News

Tributes pour in for striker Emeka Mamale, Rest in peace Emeka

Tributes continue pouring in for Democratic Republic of Congo striker Emeka Mamale, following his death that has shocked the football fraternity.

Mamale – who played for QwaQwa Stars (now Free State Stars) and Kaizer Chiefs respectively among other clubs during his time in Mzansi’s topflight in the late 1990s to the year 2000, passed away at the age of 42.

A bulky forward, who tormented defenders with his power among some of the qualities he possessed before retiring in 2011, died in the DRC of an undisclosed illness, having previously also played in Belgium for Lokeren and in Israel for Hapoel Acre, as well as different other clubs in Africa including DRC’s DC Motema Pembe.

Emeka Essanga

In paying tribute to the fallen hero, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) wrote on their official website:

Former DR Congo forward Emeka Essanga passed away on Thursday (25 June 2020) at a local hospital in Kinshasa, his family has announced. He was 42.

Nicknamed “Mamale”, he was an integral part of the Leopards squad that won bronze at the 1998 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Burkina Faso. He also participated in the 1996 and 2000 editions of the continental showpiece event.

A journeyman, Esanga won the DR Congo domestic cup in 1996 with Daring Club Motema Pembe. He also had stints in Angola, Belgium, Israel, South Africa and South Korea.

News365 sends condolences to the late star’s family during this difficult time of bereavement.