Pretoria – National and international netball umpire Leonard Masao has passed away.
Netball South Africa announced that the umpire died on Friday, 17 October 2026.
“At the time of his passing, Leonard was a highly respected international umpire and served as a mentor to up-and-coming netball umpires in South Africa,” Netball South Africa said Monday, 19 October 2026.
Masao dedicated his time to serving the game of netball not only in South Africa but on the continent and world at large.
“Losing someone of Leonard’s character and caliber is very sad and hard to comprehend,” said Mami Diale, Netball South Africa President.
“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.
“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 he made in netball.
“We can never fully articulate the loss and pain we are all feeling at this moment.”
Mami Diale said the federation does not have all the details around memorial and funeral arrangements.
“Netball South Africa urges the netball community to offer the family much-needed support and space required as they prepare to lay their beloved to rest,” she said.
“Netball South Africa will continue to update the netball fraternity with any additional information as and when it becomes available.”
