Zambian football would be incomplete without the mention of the name Dennis Liwewe.

Perhaps, many keen followers of the local league football commentaries on National Radio are familiar with voices of Leonard Chibasa and Patrick Nyangulu. Yes, to the older generation, their commentary style bring back to life the voice that has literally driven Zambian Football to where it is now. The voice of iconic Football Legendary Commentator,  Dennis Liwewe.

Dennis Liwewe born on 10 January 1932 in Malawi moved to Zambia in 1960 and first worked as a Journalist for the Nchanga Weekly Newspaper.

Liwewe became popular among millions of football lovers in Zambia and Africa as he made football commentaries from different stadia in more than 42 countries around the world.

Wherever the  Zambia National Football team travel to games Liwewe was always available to give his followers all the updates. Football fans would troop to a live football match with a radio and listen to his commentary, while those watching by television would turn down the volume on the TV set just to match live pictures to his dramatic superlatives.

He is credited for coining the phrase “KK 11” a nickname for the Zambia National Football team that perished in the 1993 Gabon Air Disaster.

And it was Liwewe’s voice that became a driving force once again during the mourning period, producing an audio tribute to each member of the fallen heroes. Dennis who was also corresponding for the BBC retired from football commentaries due to poor health.

He died on 22 April 2014 aged 78 having realised his dream of seeing Zambia crowned African champions in 2012.

Liwewe left a legacy that lives on in the hearts of many football fans across Zambia and the African continent.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer