Sundaymail EditorTinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AS the highly anticipated Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA) gala approaches, excitement and tension are mounting among finalists.
The prestigious event, making its grand return after a five-year hiatus, takes place tonight at a Harare hotel.
The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) headquarters at the National Sports Stadium has been a hive of activity in preparation for the ceremony.
SRC communications manager Arthur Choga captured the prevailing mood.
“Yes, we’re excited and have been busy putting the final touches on the awards ceremony. The venue is booked, and all nominees are confirmed,” he said.
National rugby coach Piet Benade and his Sables team are among the headline nominees. Benade is vying for the Coach of the Year award, competing against Elliot Mujaji and triathlon coach Pamela Fulton.
His Sables side, the reigning African champions, are in the running for Team of the Year alongside the Zimbabwe Under-25 men’s team and the Lady Chevrons.
Other standout nominees include Olympians Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba, who will battle Zimbabwe tennis star Benjamin Lock for the Sportsman of the Year award.
The organisers have lined up 12 award categories, with a focus on junior and senior sportsmen and women, teams and coaches of the year. In addition to these, special acknowledgement awards will be unveiled during the ceremony.
In line with this year’s theme, “Setting the Gold Standard”, the SRC has introduced new categories to refresh the awards.
A separate committee, featuring experts Stalin Mau Mau, Patrick Mukondiwa and Gilbert Munetsi, will oversee the boxing awards, following the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board’s entry as a partner.
Another major addition is the People’s Choice Award, which empowers fans to vote for their favourite athlete via social media.
This category has drawn 15 nominees across 12 disciplines, with top contenders including Chevrons’ star Sikandar Raza, France-based basketball standout Vitalis Chikoko, as well as Warriors and Scottland midfielder Khama Billiat.
Other nominees include Paige Van Der Westhuizen (swimming), Sasha Chimedza (tennis), Makarawu (athletics), Tapiwa Mafura (rugby), Benjamin Lock (tennis), Kellis Ndlovu (cricket), Isaac Mpofu (athletics), Scott Vincent (golf), Felistus Kwangwa (netball), Temba Gorimbo (MMA), Chido Maenzanise (strongman) and Kudakwashe Chiwandire (boxing).
“The word ‘engagement’ is key here,” Choga explained.
“Fans are an integral part of sports, and we wanted to give them a say in choosing their standout athlete. The response has been overwhelming, with strong participation on social media.”
Despite the excitement, the awards have faced scrutiny over omissions from the nominees list, particularly the Warriors, who secured AFCON qualification last year.
Castle Lager Premiership champions Simba Bhora and reigning Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona were also absent.
Barry Manandi, head of the ANSA selection panel, clarified the exclusions.
“We anticipated these concerns. While ZIFA submitted nominations as per protocol, the adjudication period ran from January 1 to October 14, 2024. The Warriors’ qualification success fell outside this window, making them ineligible. The same applies to Simba Bhora and Musona. However, their achievements will be eligible for the 2025 awards.”
Manandi expressed confidence in the awards’ revival.
“The ANSA’s return is a major milestone for Zimbabwean sport. These awards recognise and celebrate the dedication of our athletes, teams and administrators. It was unfortunate that the pandemic forced a pause, but we are back and stronger.”
He also introduced the Performance Tracker, a new tool that will monitor athletes’ achievements year-round.
“This tracker provides a real-time snapshot of our sporting progress, ensuring a fair and informed selection process.”
As the countdown to the ANSA gala ends, all eyes are on tonight’s ceremony, where Zimbabwe’s finest sporting talents will be honoured in a night of celebration and recognition.
FULL NOMINEES:
JUNIOR SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Rachael O’Donoghue (Triathlon)
Kellis Ndlovu (Cricket)
Refiloe Mudodo (Chess)
Junior Sportsman of the Year
Cullum Smith (Triathlon)
Rohnan Nicholson (Triathlon)
David Nyamufarira (Athletics)
Junior Sportswoman of the Year
with a Disability
Aaliyah Zuwa (Paralympics)
Tawananyasha Magonde (Paralympics)
Tapiwanashe Mlanda (Special Olympics)
JUNIOR SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
WITH A DISABILITY
Nyasha Matsungo (Paralympics)
Wisdom Chapwanya (Paralympics)
Tadiwanashe Makusha (Special Olympics)
Sportswoman of the Year
Modester Mupachikwa (Cricket)
Paige Van Der Westhuizen (Swimming)
Andie Leigh Kuipers (Triathlon)
Sportsman of the Year
Benjamin Lock (Tennis)
Tapiwanashe Makarawu (Athletics)
Makanakaishe Charamba (Athletics)
Sportsman of the Year
with a Disability
Munyaradzi Katiyo (Paralympics)
Kudakwashe Chigwedere (Paralympics)
Samson Muroyiwa (Paralympics)
Professional Boxing and
Wrestling Promoter of the Year
Tapiwa Mukombe
Lindsay Earle
Prosper Chibaya
Outstanding Professional
Male Boxer
Tatenda Biningu
Peter Pambeni
Hassan Milanzi
Coach of the Year
Elliot Mujaji (Paralympics)
Pieter Benade (Rugby)
Pamela Fulton (Triathlon)
Technical Official of the Year
Collen Jimu (Athletics)
Langton Rusere (Cricket)
Sarah Bennet (Hockey)
Team of the Year
Men’s U-25 Team (Cricket)
Sables Men’s Team (Rugby)
Women’s National Team (Cricket)
Online Reporter
Tinaye Agere