The body of retired Fifa referee Joseph Yotamu Lads Chihana was laid to rest at his Vitanda-Doroba Village at Mzokoto, Rumphi on Wednesday .
Chihana, probably one of Malawi’s most celebrated referees from 1982, died of malaria on Monday, according to a family spokesperson, Wilson Tchongwe.
Tchongwe said Chihana’s death came as a surprise to him because only last Thursday he was busy moulding bricks to built a toilet for his family.
Reacting to his death before the body was taken from Chiputula CCAP Church in Mzuzu for burial, Moderator Isaiah Mhone, said his prayer house has lost a devoted Christian whose gap will not be easy to fill.
The Northern Region Referees Committee chairperson Pere Kumwenda said in his eulogy that Chihana, who retired in 2004, was their source of wisdom of football administration.
Chihana and his brother Elmerson, who also died on Monday, were buried at the same time.
