Hapoel Be’er Sheva Commemorates 19 Years Since Cheswa Anzofuah’s Tragic Death

Hapoel Be’er Sheva will begin its title defense tonight with an away match against Hapoel Ramat Gan at the new municipal stadium in Rehovot. This game marks the team’s return to domestic competition following a painful elimination from the Champions League qualifiers in Baku just days earlier. However, the club also solemnly commemorates the 19th anniversary of one of its darkest moments: the tragic death of striker Cheswa Anzofuah.

Anzofuah, a 28-year-old Zambian international with a notable career in the Russian league, joined Be’er Sheva in the summer of 2007 during the early days of club owner Alona Barkat’s tenure. He was a key foreign signing intended to help the team quickly ascend from the second division to the Israeli Premier League. Anzofuah quickly impressed both on and off the field, scoring multiple goals in Toto Cup and league matches.

Tragically, during a friendly match against Maccabi Be’er Sheva at Vasermil Stadium, Anzofuah suddenly collapsed on the pitch. Emergency medical teams rushed him to Soroka Hospital, but he was pronounced dead about an hour later due to cardiac arrest. His agent at the time, Nir Karin, recalled the shock and chaos of that day, noting that Anzofuah collapsed just seconds before he was due to be substituted. Karin also described the extensive funeral procession in Zambia, where he was the only Israeli present, and the ongoing support the club has provided to Anzofuah’s family.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva has honored Anzofuah’s memory by retiring his number 6 jersey and maintaining close ties with his family, who visited the club in 2018. Despite hopes that Anzofuah’s son might follow in his footsteps, his football career did not materialize. The club continues to remember Anzofuah as a beloved player whose legacy remains a poignant part of its history.