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.
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He was a genius. We must celebrate his well lived life. He has been given the appreciation he deserves during his life time by the country. May this is time to reward him posthumously. In terms of netball will need a century to produce a person of his carible.
Rest in Peace legend
Yapa tataya munthu pakati pa anthu. He was an international figure whose name won’t leave our lips on every occasion we mention the superb performance by the Netball Queens. He was our hero. Some of us never met him physically but we have a picture of humble man who understood the task to which he was assigned. We worshipped his efficient services to our team from afar. May he rest in eternal peace while the family is passing through painful times we also touched by departure
Ana 10? Ntchito anagwira. Mzimu wao uwuse in eternal Peace. Amen
HAMBA KALELE BABA, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED
Legend..RIP
Griffin
*MHSRIP*. .
Very sad news,heart breaking.
Nothing we can do,it’s his time,we all,(Presidents, Minister,rich poor,fat,thin beautiful etc)will taste death,it’s a matter of time.
Am equally sorry…. Family of Griffin, receive my condolences.
Sad,am
Nixon
A life well lived. Your contributions will never be forgotten. May your soul rest in peace may God comfort your family
A great soul hard to replace. We still haven’t been able to find a coach of his calibre
He was a coaching icon.
MHSRIEP