Fungayi Munyoro-Chingaira
MUTARE – Gideon ‘Gidiza’ Muyambo has made history after being crowned the first Mutare based referee to become the second runner up in the referee of the year award at the Harare Rugby League awards banquet held last Saturday at Old Georgians Sports Club.
The referee of the year gong went to Precious Pazani while Talent Gabdiwa was the first runner-up.
But it was a proud moment for the Mutare-bred and former Mutare Sports Club captain who although he came third it was no mean feat for a man who has worked so hard and is the first to put his home city on the limelight in such a famed profession of match officiating.
Muyambo said his passion for match officiating began long back when he was still a player and he worked hard to equip himself with the skills after he hanged the boots.
“My passion for officiating started when I was still player, I obtained a Level 1 coaching certificate in 2019 and from then on match officiating became my daily life.
He said he is happy to brush shoulders with high ranking referees given his short experience as an official in a field where there are people with vast experience.
“I am happy for making it into the top three, it was really an honour being nominated alongside people with big games I wish I would officiate in final games and go on tours to improve my experience and gain exposure,” he said.
Muyambo is a household name in Mutare as he has played and officiated in a lot of matches since the beginning of his match officiating career in 2019.
He officiated at various big matches that include the just ended Zambia Independence Challenge Cup, Zambezi 7s final between Zimbabwe and Zambia ladies, Paramount provincial final between Old Hararians and Harare Sports Club, Paramount 7s final between Harare Sports Club and Old Georgians, Porterhouse 7s final.
He said the best game he handled was the Paramount Invitational League final between Old Hararians and Harare Sports Club.
“This was my best game I officiated. The game ended in a draw in extra time and they were joint champions,” he said
He captained Mutare Sports Club for five years (2014-2019) and has been part of North Provincial team, Zimbabwe A, Sables and Goshawks squads.