Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE duo of Precious Pazani and Abigail Kawonza received the president’s Distinguished Service Awards at the Zimbabwe Rugby Referees Society merit awards held last weekend.
Pazani was a double winner as she also walked away with the ZRRS International Referee of the Year award during the glamorous ceremony. The award is usually given to individuals as recognition for their exceptional officiating careers and unparalleled contributions to the job and the nation.
Pazani set a new benchmark of excellence this year, during which she became the first referee from Zimbabwe to be appointed as an official for both the prestigious Six Nations Championship and the Rugby World Cup.
She flew the Zimbabwe flag in the most elite echelons of world rugby, showcasing the calibre of talent produced within the nation.
Kawonza, on her part, became the first Zimbabwean woman to be appointed as a World Rugby Citing Official, raising the nation’s flag at the highest level of global governance and match review. She continued to serve as a World Rugby Educator and Citing Commissioner, mentoring the next generation of top female referees and match officials across Africa. At the ceremony to reward excellence, there were 14 categories where titles were up for grabs, with Talent Gandiwa emerging as the night’s biggest winner with five gongs.
These included the ZRRS Referee of the Year, the Colleen De Jong Cup, Rugby Community Referee, Coaches, Referee and World Rugby Educator of the Year.
The Rookie of the Year award went to Russel Biyason, while Rejoice Simeti was named the Most Improved Player.
The Upcoming Match Officials’ award went to Michael Ncube and Praise Mhurudzekunze in the male and female categories.
Prince Marange was named Traveller Referee of the Year, which is an award that usually goes to officials who show extraordinary dedication and commitment, as they often travel long distances to ensure matches are covered.
Victor Mushayahama was named the Most Disciplined, while Ncube was rewarded for having the highest fitness score.
Pazani was named the International Referee of the Year, while Gandiwa walked away with the biggest prize of the night, which is the ZRRS Referee of the Year. The Zimbabwe Rugby Referees president, Simbarashe Dangah, paid special tribute to the duo of Pazani and Kawonza, thanking them for their contributions and years of service respectively.
“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 also 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. Dangah also lauded Pazani for her exploits.
“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 (Pazani), is our pride and our jewel,” he said.
