Tributes are pouring in for ex-Zambia and Red Arrows midfielder Whiteson Simwanza, who has died aged 41.
According to Arrows, Simwanza died on Sunday, 17th May 2026 at Maina Soko Military Hospital in Lusaka, where he had been admitted after sustaining injuries in a road accident.
At the time of his passing, Simwanza was an assistant coach at the Arrows youth team called AeroMacchi of Mumbwa.
He was a sergeant in the Zambia Air Force (ZAF).
FAZ President Keith Mweemba described Simwanza as a dedicated football servant.
Mweemba said Simwanza played football with commitment and discipline and proudly represented Chipolopolo during his playing career.
“On behalf of the FAZ Executive Committee, the football family and on my own behalf, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the Simwanza family, Red Arrows Football Club, the Zambia Air Force, AeroMacchi FC, former teammates, friends and everyone affected by this tragic loss,” Mweemba said.
Simwanza played for Zambia between 2007 and 2009.
Arrows Chief Executive Officer, Lt Col Kambani Ronald Lungu described Simwanza’s death as painful.
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of White Simwanza, a footballer who served Red Arrows Football Club with distinction both as a player and mentor,” Lungu told the club media.
“White was passionate and dedicated to the growth of football. His contribution to the game and his mentorship to young players will never be forgotten,” he said.
Simwanza was nurtured by Nampundwe FC in the early 2000s before joining Young Arrows FC and later graduated to the Arrows main team.
In 2009, he had a brief stint at Rops FC in Finland before returning to Arrows to conclude his playing career.
