Zimbabwe referees for Rugby Africa Cup

Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN rugby referees, Talent Gandiwa and Precious Pazani are heading to the Rugby Africa Cup in France.

The Rugby Africa Cup, which serves as the continent’s final qualifier for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France is taking place in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence from 1-10 July.

“Congratulations to the Zimbabwe Rugby Referees Society referees Talent Gandiwa and Precious Pazani on their appointments to officiate at the Rugby Africa Cup World Cup qualifiers to be played in France from the 1st of July to the 10th of July,” posted the Zimbabwe Rugby Union.

Meanwhile, South Africa-based Zimbabwean rugby referee, Leo Muunganirwa has been appointed to officiate at the Under-18 Academy Week to be held early next month in Wellington, Western Cape.

Muunganirwa will preside over matches at the tournament where Zimbabwe are sending their Under-19 team coached by Marvin Chirume, with the venue being Hugenote High School from 3-7 July.

However, the tournament is organised outside the South African Rugby Union, which means his appointment came from Boland, who are hosting the tournament.

The 26-year-old Muunganirwa is a Super League referee at the Pumas in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province.

He grew up in Bulawayo’s high density suburbs of Entumbane as well as Mzilikazi, went to Mzilikazi and Milton High Schools.

He played scrumhalf for the Milton first team.

Muunganirwa is grateful for the appointment to officiate at the Under-18 Academy, which comes as a boost after he lost his wife in a road traffic accident in February this year.

“It’s a blessing and a dream come true I have always wished to referee at that level and getting this appointment boosted me physiologically.

After losing my wife and getting appointed to referee Academy Week, it’s a blessing,’’ Muunganirwa said.

Muunganirwa’s appointment to the Academy Week comes after his younger brother Noah, also based in Mpumalanga got selected to the SA Rugby Under-16 Grant Khomo Week in Kimberly.

Another Zimbabwean referee, Shemeah Ndlovu, also domiciled in Mpumalanga is heading to the SA Rugby Under-18 Craven Week to be held at Rondebosch Boys’ High School, in Cape Town from 4-9 July.
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