The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent —
HE was one of the high-class players in Manicaland whose best days were behind him by the time Zimbabwe played its first ever African Championship Korfball Tournament in South Africa.
Hob House-based umpire, Brian Muringa explains what made him the only Zimbabwe qualified international korfball umpire. His first class play was limited since Zimbabwe did not play many international matches, but he made the most of the few opportunities that came his way.
“Korfball was first introduced in Manicaland in 2006. I started off as a player, playing for Hob house-based side, Eastern Blue. By then, I was a sports leader for Mutare-Haarlem Sports Project which was being sponsored by donors from Netherlands. I played for six years and decided to attend some coaching courses,” he said.In 2007 is the year that Muringa will not easily forget.
He was called to coach the national team. He was doubling as a player coach until 2010. Muringa rose through the ranks, umpiring in local matches where he distinguished himself as a reliable match official and now he is recognised internationally.
Making decisions in fractions of a second in front of ambitious players and coaches, surrounded by fans is all part of the umpire’s profession. He recalls one of his early days as an umpire.
“One of the worst matches in my career as an umpire was a match between Zimbabwe and South Africa. The match was played in Masvingo. That was my first international match to officiate. I was very low in confidence. I made a number of questionable decisions and both teams were not happy with my performance,” he chuckled.
Muringa said one of his best moments was in 2007 when he was given the armband and led the Zimbabwe National Korfball team to the African Champions.
South Africa was the host and the winning team was going to represent Africa in Belgium.
“It was a great honour to be selected as a captain. It was again our first international match since the introduction of korfball in Zimbabwe. In that match, we managed to play our best though we lost 30-6. I was very happy as the captain because I scored all the six goals,” he said.
Muringa believes the sport is gaining momentum in the country.
“The sport is gaining momentum in our country. Most schools in Harare are doing very well. Here in our province, we are working hard and I think it is working out well though we have few schools. In Mutare, we talk of Sakubva Primary, St Joseph’s High, Mutanda Primary, Chisamba and St Mary’s. We have hope as a province and I believe the sport was not introduced properly.
“Most people know netball, soccer, basketball and other sports, but our sport is unique since it is a combination of both ladies and men. Korfball is a ball sport with similarities to netball and basketball. It is played by two teams of eight players with four male and four females. The objective is to throw a ball through a bottomless basket that is mounted on a three-metre high pole,” he added.
Born in Mutare, Muringa has developed himself into one of the best umpires from the province.
