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The 32-year-old golfer had his best season on the tough US PGA Tour and was on Thursday night crowned both the Sportsperson of the year and Sportsman of the year at a glittering ceremony at the Rainbow Towers.
His father Rik received the two awards on his behalf as he is currently on tour in the United States.
“I think he was rewarded for the hard work he has been putting up.
“We just came from America and he is really working hard.
“As a father I feel very proud, it doesn’t often happen. We just spoke to him and we have congratulated him, he is very honoured to have the awards,” Rik said.
Rik revealed that his son started playing golf at a tender age and he could tell he was bound for the top.
“Four years he was in college and then turned professional in 2003. It played a very important role. At college level they sort of groom you for future progress and most of the players turn professional,” said Rik.
The United States-based golfer apologised to the nation for failing to make it for the ceremony in a recorded speech and said it was an honour to be nominated for such prestigious awards.
The runner-up for the Sportsman of the Year award, Cuthbert Nyasango, was a happy many despite coming second. “I am very happy and excited, coming second, it’s an honour, something that you always wish for as an athlete, to do your best and be recognised.
“Finishing seventh in the Olympic Games was the best for me and, after that, running my personal best time three months later was good.
“It’s been a great year for me so I am here enjoying myself, I am very happy.
“I am thankful to God for giving me good health and also my coach for keeping me on my feet working hard every time so that we continue improving,” said Nyasango.
Junior Sportsperson and Sportsman of the Year, James Fraser Mackenzie, said he was humbled to know the country was proud of him.
“I am very happy to have these two awards, I am honoured to be part of this celebration and to know that Zimbabwe is proud of me. I just hope I can do better in the future, I will definitely keep trying.
“The first memorable event for me was the Olympic qualification regatta in Egypt that actually happened in December of 2011, I competed in this regatta in the middle of my A-Level exams and I came second in Africa.
“That qualified me for the Olympics. That was a very memorable regatta.
“The second one was the build-up to the Olympics called the Henley Royal Regatta, it’s one of the biggest regatta in the world and there were 25 000 spectators and I won that, that was a huge achievement for me.
“And the biggest was the regatta I did at the Olympics, it was an amazing experience, the sport, the vibe it was amazing,” said Mackenzie.
Mackenzie said the awards were a source of inspiration for him.
“It has inspired me that Zimbabwe has recognised my effort towards my sport and they have given me these two awards and now I an inspired to continue, hopefully continue to get better and better,” said Mackenzie.
Wheelchair tennis ace, Nyasha Mharakurwa, who won the Sportsman of the year (disability), said it felt great to be honoured. “It feels good to win the award, it’s an honour actually to be recognised for something that you do for yourself.
“When I started tennis, I was doing it because I loved it, so to get such recognition from the nation feels good although I haven’t had the best of the year in terms of tennis because of my studies,” said Mharakurwa.
The South Africa-based player said competing at the Paralympics was a major achievement.
“To get to the Paralympics was my best because my goal for the past two years was to just qualify, so getting there was what I wanted.
“I didn’t do well in other local tournaments because, like I said, I was busy with my studies but it’s still a good year,” said Mharakurwa.
Rugby proved to be the most dominant sporting discipline as they scooped three awards — Coach of the Year award which went to Gilbert Nyamutsamba while Zimbabwe Rugby Sevens were crowned Team of the Year.
The Zimbabwe Rugby Union walked away with the sports administration of the year award.
Online Reporter