The netball fraternity is mourning the death of former Netball Association of Malawi general secretary Helene Mpinganjira-Tasosa who died in the wee hours of yesterday after a short illness at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre.
Mpinganjira family’s spokesperson Biston Kalumbi said the seasoned administrator was admitted to QECH on Friday after complaining of stomachache.
“As a family we are devastated following the death because she had shown signs of improvement on Sunday and Monday morning,” he said.
Kalumbi said the body of the late Mpinganjira would be ferried to Lilongwe from Blantyre today before burial takes place tomorrow in the Area of Village Headman Kamphinda, Traditional Authority Chitukula in Lumbadzi, Lilongwe.
Nam President Vitumbiko Gubuduza said they were saddened by the development.
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“Netball Association of Malawi has received news of the passing of Helene Mpinganjira with profound regret. Her passing is a profound loss for Malawi netball. She was a dedicated pioneer and long-serving administrator who played a pivotal role in shaping and growing the sport in Malawi.
“As the former longest-serving general secretary of Nam, Helene provided steadfast leadership for many years, guiding the association through periods of development. She supported the national team, the Malawi Queens, over a long period of time and also at Tigresses Netball Club. She was an advocate for discipline, greater exposure, and resources for players. Her work helped lay foundations for regional leagues, team management, and international participation, contributing to Malawi’s great profile in global netball,” Gubuduza said.
Former Nam GS Carol Bapu, who succeeded Mpinganjira, shared the sentiments.
“I was her successor at Nam and she was always there to guide and support me whenever I needed advice. I will greatly miss her,” Bapu said.
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Blantyre District Netball Committee General Secretary Annie Hanjahanja paid her homage saying Mpinganjira was supportive.
“Helene was a very good and accommodative administrator and always willing to help and teach others. She encouraged netballers to go to school and do business to supplement their netball career,” she said.
Mpinganjira was born on February 14 1961 and is survived by a widower and daughter Beatrice, a former Malawi Queens and Tigresses player.
She served as Malawi National Council of Sports as a board member on various occasions and she was also the secretary general for Malawi Olympic Committee.
