Mutare rugby referee dazzles

 

Ray Bande
Senior Reporter

MUTARE Sports Club player-turned-referee, Gideon Muyambo ,was on the winner’s podium not once, not twice, but three times during the 2023 edition of the Zimbabwe Rugby Referees’ Society Awards held at Old Hararians in Harare last Friday.

The talented Mutare-born and bred rugby match official, who handled the Rob Ferreira Week South Africa, Amajuba Rugby Festival South Africa final, the Botswana Rugby League semi-final, featuring Goshawcks up against Valke, the Olympic 7s qualifiers in Harare as well as the Victoria Cup Uganda this year alone, was presented with the referee of the year, most disciplined referee and the Manicaland referee of the year awards during the colourful ceremony.

On the referee of the year award, Muyambo’s sterling efforts was jointly presented together with Precious Pazani.

Apparently, this is not the first time that Muyambo has received recognition for his referring prowess as he snatched the most improved referee award last year as well as the traveller of the year gong.

In 2019, Muyambo was the rookie referee of the year award recipient.

Apart from the continental competitions he has handled, locally, Muyambo was in the thick of things during the Paramount Under-20 League, Paramount Men’s League, Zambezi 7s Challenge, Manicaland 7s and Dobropolous 15s tournament final, among many other assignments.

 

In his awards acceptance message, Muyambo said: “I would like to thank the Almighty for protecting me throughout the whole year. I would also like to thank my support system which is my family and friends for the support they always give me. “I also want to thank ZRRS/MRRS including all coaches as well as match officials who have helped me, including my fitness trainer, Bruce Gumbo.

 

“Lastly, I would like to thank Manicaland Rugby Referees Society chairlady, Eve Chisangarambwe, for facilitating the donation of trophies through Augustine Mberi for the Manicaland Rugby Referees awards.”

Tatenda Manuel Shonhiwa scooped the Manicaland upcoming male referee of the year award, while Lisa Mutetwa scooped the upcoming female referee of the year gong which were also sponsored by Mberi.