Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SPORT, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe says success in sport does not come overnight and athletes should not be supported only when they are winning.
Sanyatwe was speaking at the Annual National Sports Awards 2025, held on Friday in Harare to celebrate and honour outstanding sportspersons, administrators and officials.
The 2025 awards were held under the theme; ‘Upholding the Gold Standard.’
The Minister, who was the guest of honour, said the country should back its athletes throughout their sporting journey, not just when they are winning.
“Let us support our athletes, not only when they win, but throughout their entire sporting journey.
“Success in sport does not come overnight.It is built through hard work, persistent training, resilience in the face of setbacks and the courage to continue striving for excellence.
“To our coaches and technical officers, the government acknowledges your critical role in shaping performance and the character of individuals.
“To our young athletes, I say your journey begins with belief but it must be sustained by discipline, sacrifice and hard work.”
Sanyatwe also urged National Sport Associations to strengthen their governance structures.“To our sports associations and federations, I encourage you to continue strengthening governance.
“Allow me to repeat.
“To our sports associations and federations, I encourage you to continue strengthening governance, accountability and professionalism.
“Strong institutions are the foundation of strong performance.
“We must all work together to ensure that sporting structures are credible, transparent and responsive to the needs of our athletes.”Cricketer Sikandar Raza was the biggest winner of the night as he was crowned the Sportsperson of the Year.
Raza also got the Sportsman of the Year award ahead of sprinter Tapiwanashe Makarawu and martial artist Wilfred Mashaya.
Rising tennis star Ruvarashe Makunike walked away with the Junior Sportsperson of the Year and Junior Sportswoman of the Year accolades.
Makunike said:“I would like to thank Tennis Zimbabwe for preparing all the tournaments that led me to the stage.
“I mostly want to thank the Almighty for making this day possible.
“I would like to thank SRC for recognising me and giving me this opportunity to show people that if you follow your dreams and believe in them, they will come true.
“This achievement would not be possible without the people who believed in me and pushed me to do my bet every day. Thank you for motivating me during both the good and difficult moments.This award inspires me to continue working hard, staying disciplined and always doing my best.
“To all young athletes out there, never stop believing in yourself because hard work and determination really pays off.”
Makunike is one of the five nominees from Zimbabwe that are up for the Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA) scheduled for this coming Saturday in Luanda, Angola.
She was nominated for Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year.
The nominees were announced recently by the African union Sports Council Region 5.
ANSA Winners
Sportsperson of the Year
Sikandar Raza
Junior Sportsperson of the Year
Ruvarashe Makunike
Sportsman of the Year
Sikandar Raza
Sportswoman of the Year
Sasha Chimedza
Junior Sportsman of the Year
Zander Botha
Junior Sportswoman of the Year
Ruvarashe Makunike
Junior Sportsman of the Year with a Disability
Ryan Chigwedere
Junior Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability
Makanaka Kaiyo
Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability
Thandiwe Ndlovu
Sportsman of the Year with a Disability
Simbarashe Mashayi
Team of the Year
Rugby Senior Men’s Sables
Coach of the Year
Piet Benade
Sports Official of the Year (Technical or Administrative)
Precious Pazani
Professional Boxing and Wrestling Promoter of the Year
Lindsay Earle
Outstanding Professional Female Boxer
Tarisai Mutsau
Outstanding Professional Male Boxer
Ndabezinhle Phiri
Women in Sport Leadership
Kirsty Coventry
Sport Development Delivery Agency of the Year
National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH)
Sports Journalist of the Year
Langton Nyakwenda
National Sports Association of the Year
Zimbabwe Cricket
Corporate Sponsor of the Year
Delta Beverages
Special Acknowledgement Award Investment in Sporting Infrastructure
- Shepherd Chahwanda Magodora
- Scott Sakupwanya
- Sakunda Holdings
- Geo Pomona
- Zimbabwe Cricket
- West Property Holdings
- Zimbabwe Lotteries and Gamining Board
The People’s Choice Award
Wilfred Mashaya
Mathew Masinge