Leonard Masao: South African Netball Community Mourns Loss of International Umpire, Aged 40

• Netball South Africa confirmed the passing of national and international umpire Leonard Masao on 17 October 2026
• Masao was widely regarded as a mentor to emerging umpires and a respected figure across the African continent and beyond
• Netball South Africa President Mami Diale led the federation's tribute, calling Masao a true ambassador of the sport

Netball South Africa has confirmed the death of Leonard Masao, a national and international umpire who passed away on 17 October 2026. The federation described his death as untimely and expressed deep sorrow at the loss.

Masao held a prominent position within the sport at the time of his passing. He served as a qualified international umpire and had taken on a mentorship role for younger umpires coming through the ranks in South Africa. His influence extended well beyond the country's borders, with his contributions recognised across the African continent and internationally.

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Netball SA president pays tribute to Masao

Netball South Africa President Mami Diale addressed the loss in a statement released by the federation.

"Losing someone of Leonard's character and calibre is very sad and hard to comprehend. As a federation, we are deeply saddened to learn about the untimely passing of Leonard. He was a true ambassador and custodian of the sport, not only here at home – he was well respected and loved globally by those that followed the sport," Diale said.

She extended the federation's condolences directly to those closest to him:

"As Netball South Africa, we would like to convey our most sincere condolences to the Masao family at large – the entire netball fraternity is with you at such a difficult time, and we share this loss with you. Thank you for sharing Leonard with us. We will forever celebrate his legacy and contribution to netball. We can never fully articulate the loss and pain we are all feeling at this moment."

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Funeral arrangements yet to be confirmed

The federation acknowledged that details regarding memorial and funeral arrangements had not yet been finalised.

Netball South Africa called on the netball community to support the Masao family and give them the space they need during this period.

The federation confirmed it would issue further updates to the broader netball fraternity as information became available.

Source: Briefly News