THE Zimbabwe senior netball team manager Ledwin Dondo was laid to rest at Glen Forest Memorial Park in Harare yesterday.

Dondo (74) passed away on Friday at Westend Hospital after battling an unnamed illness.

Zimbabwe Netball Association (Zina) president Leticia Chipandu said Dondo left a huge gap in the netball fraternity.

“The netball fraternity has lost a pillar. She was a netball guru as she groomed several coaches and umpires across the country. I can't even exhaust the list of the people she mentored in the netball circles,” Chipandu said.

“To me, she was more of a mentor than a coach. We had a very good working relationship and I am grateful for the time we worked with her. I could ask on anything whenever I needed help without any reservations,” she added. “Her legacy will remain forever.”

Dondo was the Gems coach between 2000 and 2017 before being appointed team manager in 2018. The team later made history after its appearance at the 2019 Vitality World Cup where they finished in 8th position.

Dondo is survived by her husband, four children and grandchildren.