Staff Reporter
The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) Wednesday unveiled short-listed finalists for the 2019 Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA) in 11 various categories.
Three finalists were selected in each category.
The overall winners will be unveiled at a gala ceremony next Wednesday in the capital. The Awards are sponsored by NetOne, Delta Corporation and Schweppes, among others.
“It was an extremely challenging decision making process for the judges to pick the winners. I must say it was a very taxing task,” Steve Vickers, the chairman of the judges panel said.
Also speaking at the unveiling ceremony, SRC board chairman, Gerald Mlotshwa said sports need to be treated as business.
“In this day and age, sports cannot develop and thrive without sponsorship,” Mlotshwa said.
“However, sports should not be placed in the same category as charity. Sports should be a business transaction. Both parties have to settle expectations and the manner in which these expectations would be delivered. It is the exchange of money and other considerations in return for minimum standard performance, that is, transparency and accountability.”
The nominations are as follows:
Sportsman of the Year
Chengetai Mapaya (Athletics)
Benjamin Lock (tennis)
Themba Gorimbo (mixed martial arts).
Sports Woman of the Year
Rutendo Nyahora (athletics)
Regina Jonga (body building)
Laurelle Brown (triathlon)
Team of the Year
Netball Senior Team (The Gems)
Dadirai Jack and Halle Guri (Bocce-Special Olympics
Cricket Senior Team (The Lady Chevrons)
Coach of the Year
Lloyd Makunde (Netball)
Pamela Fulton (triathlon)
Owen Makuruwa (Athletics-Special Olympics)
Junior Sports Woman of the Year
Christi Rose Pretorious (Judo)
Andie Kipers (Triathlon)
Donata Katai (Swimming)
Junior sports man of the Year
Matthew Antony Denslow (Triathlon)
Denilson Cyprianos (Swimming)
Emmanuel Bako (Motorsport)
Sports man of the Year with disability
Shephard Patrick (athletics-special Olympics)
Derreck Chifamba (Golf-special Olympics)
Tungamirai Mudyanadzo (Golf-Special Olympics)
Sports Woman of the Year with disability
Margaret Bangajena (wheelchair racing)
Kalyn Chikara (Golf-special Olympics)
Morine Mavhunga (para-badminton)
Junior Sports Woman of the Year with a Disability
Peace Taruvinga (Athletics T20)
Mufarowashe Shambira (Athletics-Special Olympics)
Babra Njovo (Athletics-Special Olympics)
Technical Official of the Year
Sarah Benett (Hockey)
Patrick Mukondiwa (Boxing)
Langton Rusere (Cricket)
