The Malawi sports fraternity is mourning the death of long-serving administrator Helene Mpinganjira- Tasosa who died yesterday morning at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre after an illness.
Her brother Bob Mpinganjira, who is Mighty Wanderers FC head coach, confirmed the passing on of the former Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) general secretary (GS), -Malawi National Council of Sports ex-board member and former Malawi Olympic Committee (MOC) secretary general. The 65-year-old, who is survived by a daughter, former Malawi Queens attacker Beatrice Mpinganjira, a grand daughter and a husband, was, until her death, a long-time Tigresses Netball Club team manager and a former player for the Blantyre-based netball outfit.
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“She has been on and off for sometime with stomach problems. On Friday, she went to the hospital where she was admitted until we lost her this morning,” said Bob.
He said the tentative programme is that the body of her sister, who was the first born in the family of five children, will be laid to rest on tomorrow at her home in Kamphinda Village, Traditional Authority Chitukula in Lumbadzi, Lilongwe.
NAM president Vitumbiko Gubuduza yesterday described Mpinganjira-Tasosa’s demise as a big loss to the netball family.
“NAM has received news of her passing with profound regret. This
is a profound loss for Malawi netball as she has been a dedicated pioneer and long-serving administrator, who played a pivotal role in shaping and growing the sport in the country,” she said.
“As NAM’s longest-serving GS, Mpinganjira-Tasosa provided steadfast leadership for many years, guiding the association through key periods of development.”
Gubuduza said the fallen legend deserves respect as she supported the Malawi Queens and led Tigresses Netball Club for a long time.
“She was an advocate of discipline, greater exposure and players’ resources. Her work helped to lay foundations for the regional leagues, team management and international participation, contributing to Malawi’s great profile in global netball,” the NAM president said.
“Her commitment, resilience, love and passion for the game inspired countless athletes, coaches and administrators. Helene’s contributions helped elevate netball from a grassroots level to a sport that brings pride to the nation. May her legacy continue to motivate the next generation, and may she rest in eternal peace.”
Malawi Queens legend and Tigresses coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa said she was lost for words to describe how she and the team will miss Mpinganjira-Tasosa.
As a player and team manager, she won several silverware with Tigresses, including the Presidential National Netball Cup, the Toyota National Netball Cup and the Blantyre and Districts Netball League
