Zambia: Red Arrows Football Club executive committee member Lyson Simwanda, popularly known as LJ, was laid to rest on Wednesday afternoon at Memorial Park in Lusaka.
Simwanda, 39, died in a road traffic accident on Saturday. His burial was preceded by a funeral service at UCZ St. Paul’s Congregation in Kabwata attended by hundreds of mourners who included FAZ general secretary Reuben Kamanga, former and current Chipolopolo players, coaches, officials and the general citizenry who came to pay their last respects on the sports administrator.
Kamanga said FAZ was saddened by the loss of Simwanda, who was exemplary in his execution of duties.
“We are gathered here to bid farewell to one of the greatest servants of the game. Many of us whose lives evolved around soccer will remember that our colleague was an ever-present feature in the games. We are happy that LJ left an enduring legacy in football; he was an important resource of Red Arrows,” Kamanga said.
In her tribute to her husband, wife Muntanga said she had lost a pleasant and welcoming husband who had an amazing sense of humour.
“He was a loving and caring husband who loved and treated me rightly but, of course, not tolerating nonsense. His love went to another level; he was a kind person to everyone I mingled with, and to my family, he was the best,” Muntanga said.
“It is well, my love; I thank God for the lovely memories we shared. May his lovely, sweet soul rest in peace.”
Red Arrows FC president Moses Kambimbi said LJ was a loyal member of the executive committee who undertook all assignments on his table.
“LJ was a person of exceptional character that touched the lives of many. This explains the numbers that are here to pay their last respects to him. Let us all celebrate the incredible legacy that LJ leaves behind. He loved that the spirit of sportsmanship extends beyond the game,” Kambimbi said.
“Though his physical presence may not be with us today, the memory of LJ will forever be remembered at Red Arrows Football Club.”
“He was a friend to the young and the old. I will dearly miss him, and we shall continue praying for him. He was such a young life to be lost, especially looking at the young family that he had,” Mufulira Wanderers president George Katongo said in his tribute.