Football fraternity mourns ex-Fifa assistant ref Mpeni
Former Fifa assistant referee McGovern Mpeni died yesterday at Partners in Hope Hospital in Lilongwe after succumbing to Covid-19.
His son Edwin, who is also Silver Strikers board of trustees member, confirmed his father’s demise in an interview, describing it as a big blow to the family.
He said although the former assistant referee tested positive for Covid-19 last week Friday, he was asymptomatic.
Said the son: “It’s shocking to the family because he inspired us [his children] and that’s why I got interested in sports.
“After testing positive, he was doing everything normally such as exercises, but yesterday [Thursday] when his situation suddenly worsened, we rushed him to the hospital where he died shortly after arrival.”
Meanwhile, tributes are pouring in for the deceased with many, describing the former Lilongwe City Council senior accountant as a humble man.
In a statement issued yesterday, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) said it is deeply saddened by Mpeni’s death.
FAM President Walter Nyamilandu described Mpeni’s death as a big blow to Malawi football, saying he was one of the top referees’ assessors and instructors.
“Mpeni will be remembered as a great leader who possessed excellent referees’ development and management skills. He was an accomplished Instructor and a number of referees have gone through his mentorship. He played a big role in the development of Malawi football and his services and passion will be greatly missed.
“On behalf of entire football fraternity, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Mpeni Family and the National Football Referees Association as they mourn his loss. May His Soul Rest in Peace,” said Nyamilandu.
National Referees Football Association general secretary Chris Kalichero said in an interview yesterday he served the association in an advisory role.
“People might not know this, but McGovern Mpeni always assisted us, especially on disciplinary issues. Being a Fifa match assessor and instructor, he also helped in training referees,” he said.
Legendary referee and former CAF refereeing development manager Bester Kalombo said: “Very sad news. McGovern was a close friend. Very had working and had a passion for refereeing.Very open-minded person and young referees took him as model as far as refereeing was concerned.”
Fifa match assessor and instructor Martha Nyekanyeka said Mpeni encouraged her to progress in the male-dominated field.
Survived by wife and six children, the deceased was laid to rest yesterday at Mpeni Village, Traditional Authority Kaomba in Kasungu.
Mpeni, 67, joined refereeing in 1990 as a beginner and rose through the ranks to become a Fifa assistant referee in 1999. He retired in 2008.
