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Collin Matiza
CRICKET South Africa (CSA) yesterday joined in mourning one of their former top administrators, Zimbabwean Patricia Kambarami (nee Chingoka), who passed on in South Africa last week.
Kambarami, the sister to the late legendary Zimbabwean sports administrators Paul and Peter Chingoka, died on May 16, after a short illness.
She was 65 and will be buried today at Glen Forest Cemetery in Harare.
Mourners are gathered at 12 Quinton Road, Greystone Park.
Before her burial today, there will be a requiem mass at St Gerard’s Catholic Church, Stonechat Lane, in Greystone Park.
CSA said they learnt of Kambarami’s death with deep sadness.
They praised her ability to manage and orchestrate successful events across various spectacles.
During her tenure, she led the team to win the CSA award for the best-administered union three years in a row.
Kambarami was a pioneering force in African cricket and a beacon of dedication and passion for the sport.
In a statement yesterday, CSA said: “Aunty Pat, as she was fondly known within cricket circles, was among the first cohort of women to break gender barriers in cricket administration.
“She served a remarkable 11 years as a marketing and events manager at Northerns Cricket Union, Titans Cricket, and Easterns Cricket.
“She became the first female chief operating officer in South African Cricket, setting a precedent for other female administrators,” read part of the statement.
“She was the only woman in such a high-ranking position among the country’s then six professional cricket franchises.”
CSA also chronicled some of the high-profile events Kambarami was involved in.
“Her extensive experience also includes serving as development manager — Africa at Cricket South Africa (CSA) in 2017 and later went on to become the International Cricket Council regional manager for Africa. A position she held until her death.
“Across her career, she has masterfully managed top-tier international sporting events, from the Champions League Twenty20 to the FIFA World Cup Fan Park and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“Her expertise spans diverse spectacles like the ICC Champions Trophy and the IT Davis Cup, showcasing her ability to orchestrate successful events across the globe.
“Despite her demanding career and family responsibilities, she always continued to pursue academic excellence, achieving a Masters in Sports Law at De Montfort University in Leicester.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to Patricia’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her. She was a visionary leader whose unparalleled dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence transformed the cricketing industry.
“May her soul rest in peace, and may her legacy of a can-do attitude, meticulous efficiency, and unparalleled expertise forever inspire those whose lives she has touched.”
Kambarami was born on December 8 1958 in Harare, the fifth child of the late Douglas and Anna Chingoka.
Her formative years at Nagel House, St Dominics, and Dominican Convent reinforced her family’s strong Catholic roots.
Along with her five brothers, Patrick, Paul, Peter, Boniface, and Douglas, and only sister Petronella, she cultivated a love of sport.
This passion became the canvas of her future endeavours.
The high school witnessed Kambarami’s prowess in all she was involved in, culminating in her being recognised as one of the top secretaries in Harare.
She left an indelible footprint at Chibuku Breweries and Delta Corporation as the PA to the now late John Patrick Rooney, as well as being a live wire marketing boffin at the then Zimbabwe Sun Hotels.
Patricia was married to Bobby Kambarami and they were blessed with three children Timothy, Tadiwa, and Russell.
A family member, Anesu Chingoka, added: “She was a proud mother-in-law to Wendy and Ruben, and adored her two grandchildren Yara and Aaron.
“She was greatly admired and appreciated as a wonderful amaiguru, amainini, ambuya, and tete.
“As further evidence of her love of sport, she worked with her brothers Paul at Tennis Zimbabwe and Peter at Zimbabwe Cricket, where she was instrumental in the success of hosting the Cricket World Cup.
“Patricia was cosmopolitan, a true gem. From her many travels, she developed a diverse international sophistication which separated her from many of us.
“Patricia leaves behind a legacy cherished by her family and friends. She will be fondly remembered and her life celebrated. “Although her absence leaves a void — gratitude fills our hearts for the countless years of shared moments,” Anesu said.
Online Reporter