Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE room stood for them before any trophy was lifted. Precious Pazani and Abigail Kawonza walked into the Zimbabwe Rugby Referees Society awards carrying the kind of impact that can’t be captured by one plaque. By the end of the night, both had been handed the President’s Distinguished Service Awards, a rare honour reserved for people whose work shifts the game itself.
Pazani’s year was historic. She was a double winner on the night after taking the ZRRS International Referee of the Year. Her rise set a new standard in 2025 when she became the first Zimbabwean referee appointed to both the Six Nations Championship and the Rugby World Cup. Her presence on those stages pushed Zimbabwe’s rugby identity into places it had never reached and underlined the depth of talent coming out of the country.
Kawonza also carried a milestone of her own. She became the first Zimbabwean woman appointed as a World Rugby Citing Official, placing her at the top level of governance and match review. She continued her work as a World Rugby Educator and Citing Commissioner, guiding young referees across the continent and shaping the next generation of elite officials.
There were 14 categories on the programme and Talent Gandiwa dominated the list, taking home five awards. His haul included the ZRRS Referee of the Year, the Colleen De Jong Cup, Rugby Community Referee, Coaches Referee and World Rugby Educator of the Year.
Rookie of the Year went to Russel Biyason and Rejoice Simeti claimed the Most Improved award. The upcoming match officials’ honours went to Michael Ncube and Praise Mhurudzekunze in the male and female sections. Traveller Referee of the Year went to Prince Marange for officials who go to unusual lengths to ensure matches are covered.
Victor Mushayahama was recognised for discipline and Ncube topped the fitness scores. Pazani collected her International Referee of the Year award, while Gandiwa closed the night with the overall ZRRS Referee of the Year.
ZRRS president Simbarashe Dangah paused the celebrations to acknowledge the two women at the centre of the evening.
“No one deserves more praise than Abigail Kawonza,” said Dangah.
“She took the helm of the ZRRS in 2019, navigating us through what became some of the most challenging years in global sports history.
“Her vision, tenacity, and unwavering belief in every referee, regardless of gender or experience, not only kept us afloat but positioned us for the explosion of success we celebrate today.
“She didn’t just manage the society; she steered it with purpose. The vibrant exchanges we now enjoy from the Pumas and Blue Bulls in South Africa to Zambia, Uganda, and Kenya are a testament to the strong, professional, and cordial relations she personally nurtured.
“Even in her recent transition, she continues to serve Africa Rugby with distinction, as evidenced by her critical role as the coach of match officials at the recent Women’s Africa Sevens,” he said.
On Pazani, his admiration was just as firm.
“As it pertains to Pazani, she did not just break glass ceilings; she obliterated them.
“By being appointed to the Rugby World Cup, she became the first Zimbabwean and the first referee outside of South Africa to officiate at the pinnacle of our sport.
“Precious is our pride and our jewel,” he said.
