SUN SPORTS writes
@SunZambian
MINISTER of Sports Emmanuel Mulenga has described the death of Sports Administrator Matilda Mwaba as a big blow to the sporting fraternity because she was an experienced lady who immensely contributed to sport development in the country.
He has reminded mourners to adhere to the covid-19 preventive measures.
Ms Mwaba was founder and chief executive of the National Organization for Women in Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation (NOWSPAR).
In October 2019, President Edgar Lungu awarded Mrs Mwaba with the highest meritorious distinguished recognition.
In 2020 she was among top distinguished sportspersons in Africa Union Sports Council who were recognized in the Hall of Fame for distinguished contributions to the development of women in sport.
Ms Mwaba was put to rest at Lusaka’s Memorial Park on Thursday and has been described as a mother who mentored a lot of young people, especially women, to participate in sports.
Mwaba, who was put to rest just a few meters from the grave of the late veteran football commentator Dennis Liwewe died on Monday evening after an illness at Levy Mwanwasa Hospital in Lusaka.
Speaking during the burial which was attended by a handful of people due to Covid-19 pandemic, her daughter, Matilda, described her as a mother of children both in sports and outside sports.
Meanwhile, NOWSPAR chairperson Katongo Monga hailed Ms Mwaba for being a great mentor to members.
The sports fraternity was led by National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) president Alfred Foloko and Zambia Sports Fans president Peter Makembo who described Mwaba as a soldier who wanted to see equal opportunities for women in sports.
Meanwhile, Zambia Athletics president Elias Mpondela described Mwaba who was the first female Zambia Judo Association president as a committed sports administrator who contributed massively to the growth of female participation in sports.
“This is so sad. A wonderful woman devoted to developing sport and especially participation of women in sport in the country and abroad, Matildah Mwaba, May her spirit of commitment and enthusiasm to sport development remain and continue to inspire us to do more, beyond what she did,” said Mpondela.
And the Football Association of Zambia hailed Mwaba for being a great advocate of sports development.
