Zingale’s death came barely days after his son made an appeal to the soccer fraternity to help the once vibrant business tycoon as he struugling.

Confirming the death FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said in a statement posted on the association’s website that the soccer governing body was saddened with the death of Zingale.

“The Football Association of Malawi has learnt with great sadness the passing on of its former president Mr. John. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends for their loss, hope they find strength in these difficult times. As the Association, the passing on of Mr. Zingale saddens us,” Nyamilandu said.

He will greatly be remembered for being at the helm of the Association when the Malawi National Football team showed great improvements.

“It was under his leadership that the Flames reached the Cosafa Cup final for the first time ever. It was also during his tenure that Malawi won the Cosafa Under- 17 Youth Championship.”

“The country has lost a true friend of football who was so passionate about the game as shown by his commitment in sponsoring football teams and competitions in the country using personal funds. He contributed a lot to the development of football nationally. This is a major blow for Malawian football.

The late Zingale was the President of FAM between 1998- 2002 and he was also at the helm when Fifa President visited Sepp Blatter visited Malawi.

He initiated the Goal Project which has seen a number of infrastructure development at the association.