Andrew
Deputy Sports Editor
ABIGAIL MNIKWA has over the past few years carved quite the career for herself.
The seasoned administrator wears many hats at the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) where she is a board member, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Women’s Committee and a World Rugby Trainer.
She was recently appointed to Rugby Africa’s women’s sub-committee on leadership, training and conferences.
She has been an integral member of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) medical commission since 2017.
Mnikwa also served her country at the Youth Olympic Games, Zone VI Youth Games.
Her most recent assignment was as physiotherapist for Team Zimbabwe and Covid-19 liaison officer at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
However, it is the latest appointment that seems to have had her gushing with pride.
Mnikwa was recently co-opted into the ZOC board and will now chair the medical, sports science and protection of clean athletes commission.
After taking time to digest the news, she said: “I was quite humbled that ZOC was able to recognise the work that I have been doing in sport, and I am truly honoured to be given such an opportunity.
“It came as a shock actually, but that has been replaced by excitement, and I pray that I will be able to do the job that is required to the best of my abilities.”
While the appointment is set to be made official at the next ZOC board meeting, the seasoned administrator has already started making plans for the work that lies ahead.
“It is quite a big portfolio as we will not only be looking at the medical side of things, but safe sport and things like doping and age-cheating have been in the headlines recently.
“Age-cheating is something that we need more of a multi-disciplinary approach, and here I am talking about the medical and technical sides to come up with proposals and solutions.
“We will definitely discuss it at the commission level.” She said there was need to educate athletes about doping.
“Aside from that, I am also passionate about trying to get more younger medical personnel involved in sport, and will be working towards that with the commission.”
Online Reporter