Ex Malawi Queens coach Saenda dies aged 68

Netball coach Griffin “Zagalo” Saenda, who guided Malawi Queens to their first ever third place finish at Fast Five World netball series championship, has died aged 68.

According to his daughter Chipulumutso, Saenda was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre last week after suffering a minor stroke.

“He passed on around 5 am and his body is currently at College of Medicine Mortuary. Vigil is at his house in Chimwankhunda Township, Blantyre,” she said.

His son, Griffin Saenda Jnr, said the revered coach has been unwell for some time as he has been battling hypertension and  diabetes.

Saenda  contributed greatly to the country’s netball.

“We talk of Mwai Kumwenda today because of this old man who nurtured her talent to be where she is. He  guided Malawi Queens to their first ever best finish at the Fast 5,” said one of the netball fan in Lilongwe.

Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) general secretary Carol Bapu has described the former NAM technical advisor’s demise as a big loss to the netball fraternity.

“We cannot talk about Malawi netball without mentioning his name. He was an inspiration to many coaches and a big contributor to Malawi Queens’ achievements. We will greatly miss him. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” she said.

Saenda is also former coach for Kukoma Diamonds.

the 68-year-old, who hailed from Mwambo village, T/A Kuntaja in Zomba, is survived by 10 children.

Burial arrangements are yet to be discussed by family members.