Tragedy struck the Southern African squash community when top Zambian player Preston Mhango died in a vehicle accident outside Katima Mulilo on Thursday.
Mhango and the rest of the Zambian squash team were on their way home after competing in the Visions Consulting Tri-Nations test series in Windhoek, when their vehicle’s tire burst and it rolled.
“Unfortunately Preston Mhango passed away in the accident. This is an extremely sad way to end an exceptional week of squash in Windhoek,” the general manager of Wanderers Sport Club, Steven Berry said.
“Please join us in keeping his friends and family as well as the Zambian squash community in your prayers. He was a great and extremely humble man – great competitor on court, and a wonderful man off it. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
The Namibia Squash Association also posted a message of condolence on its FB page.
“It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we come together today to offer our deepest condolences to the Zambia squash team and the family and friends of Preston Mhango. We are devastated to share the news that Preston, a cherished member of the Zambian squash family, tragically passed away in a car accident on their way back from the Visions Consulting Tri-Nations Squash Test Series in Namibia,” it said.
“As the Namibia Squash Association, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the entire Zambia squash team. We know that no words can ease the pain of losing a beloved teammate and friend, but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this unimaginably difficult time. In the spirit of sportsmanship that binds us all, let us remember Preston for the joy and inspiration he brought to the game of squash. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing him and watching him play. His legacy will endure in our hearts, and the love for squash that he embodied will inspire us all. Rest in peace, dear Preston Mhango. You will be dearly missed,” it added.
According to Berry some other Zambian team members were also injured, although details were a bit sketchy.
“From what I’ve heard, one lady broke her leg and another injured her chest, but the others are in a stable condition,” he said.
The World Squash Development Organisation also uploaded a post on their FB page expressing shock and dismay, adding that another member was in a critical state.
The accident followed the conclusion of the Visions Consulting Tri-Nations test series which drew to a close at the Wanderers Squash Courts last week.
Namibia, Zambia and South Africa competed along with a Barbarians team, which was a late replacement for Zimbabwe, who withdrew at the last minute.
South Africa dominated the series, winning both the men and women’s categories.
They won the men’s series with a total of 59 points, followed by Zambia on 40, Namibia on 26 and the Barbarians team on 11 points.
South Africa also won the women’s category with 80 points, followed by Zambia on 22 and Namibia on 20.
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