Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
FORMER Spartans and Mutare Sports Club player-turned-rugby referee, Lisa Mutetwa, was the toast of this year’s Zimbabwe Rugby Referees Society awards after landing the most improved referee gong.
Mutetwa was also nominated for the upcoming female referee as well as the rookie of the year awards.
The rugby awards ceremony, held last Saturday at Harare Sports Club, also recognised outstanding match officials at provincial level under the auspices of Manicaland Rugby Referees Society.
However, it was Mutetwa, who also once had a stint at Harare outfit, Raiders, who became a good advert for the standards of the game in Manicaland after featuring prominently in a number of categories that were up for grabs.
Mutetwa said: “Yes, I was expecting to be a nominee, but to win a trophy for the first position was all a dream, which fortunately came true. I won an award for being the most improved referee for 2024, and it really means a lot to me, and all I can say is God did it for me.
“I got an award for being the upcoming female referee nominee, rookie of the year nominee, and the most improved referee, along with the big trophy. All this happened because of the people who were pushing, and telling me not to give up. I was told to be ready because I do not know when God was going to give me the good news, and I guess it happened that very night. Thanks to Precious Pazani, she is my mentor, and I will always work hard and trust the process like how she is doing.”
In a statement, Manicaland Rugby Board applauded Mutetwa’s exploits on the field of play, which were duly recognised during the awards ceremony, and made the province proud.
“We are thrilled to celebrate your (Mutetwa) outstanding achievements at the recent referee awards in Harare. Your dedication, hard work, and passion for refereeing have earned you the well-deserved recognition. Lisa, you have made Mutare Sports Club Rugby and Manicaland proud. Your accomplishments inspire us all,” reads part of the statement.
As widely expected in the rugby fraternity in Manicaland, fast growing Mutare referee, Gideon Muyambo, also hogged the limelight after scooping the Manicaland referee of the year award, before being named as one of the nominees in the ZRRS referee of the year, international referee of the year, traveller of the year as well as top fitness test categories.
Fellow Manicaland-based referee, Emmanuel Shonhiwa was the rookie of the year (ZRRS) as well as the most improved referee (MRRS).
Prince Marange was named upcoming male referee (MRRS), while Wadzanai Kanjanda received the upcoming female referee (MRRS).
Casper Mugadhuwi was nominated in the top fitness score (ZRRS) category.
