Sprinter Tapiwa Makarawu was rewarded for his exploits which saw him reach the final of the 200m race at the Paris Olympics after he was voted the 2024 Sports Person of the Year at the colourful Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA) ceremony in Harare on Sunday.
Makarawu, who was honoured in his absence, had earlier on the night bagged the Sportsman of the Year.
Along with fellow Zimbabwean Makanakaishe Charamba, Makarawu made history to by reaching the final at the Global Games before finishing sixth.
The 24-year-old also won a silver medal at the African Senior Championships in Douala, Cameroon while he managed a string of sub-21 second runs in the 200m event across competitive meets in the US circuit.
He expressed his gratitude in a pre-recorded video message flighted at the event.
“I just want to thank God for the opportunity of being nominated for Sportsperson of the Year. I also want to thank my family, my parents for supporting me throughout the journey until today.
“I want to thank my coaches who are always helping me in training programmes and everything I need.
“Also want to thank the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, SRC, my association NAAZ and everyone who helped in nominating me,” he said.
Swimmer Paige Van Der Westhuizen walked away with the Sports Woman of the Year accolade while cricketer Kelis Ndhlovu was the Junior Sportsperson of the Year.
Young sprinter David Nyamufarira won the Junior Sportsman of the Year gong.
The national men rugby team, the Sables was voted the Team of the Year after they won the Africa Cup and went through the calendar year unbeaten.
Head Coach Pieter Benade the architect behind the team’s uccess story was humbled by the recognition.
“It’s amazing for the effort to be recognized and achievements to be celebrated. Now we’ve got a big job ahead—to make another special year happen that all Zimbabwean sports fans can be proud of.”
It was also memorable night for Zimbabwe Cricket who were recognised as the National Sports Association of the year while cricket umpire Langton Rusere won the Technical Official of the Year award.
Tatenda Bango and Kudakwashe Chigwedere scooped the Sports Woman of the Year with a Disability and the Sports Man of the Year with a Disability accolades respectively.
Full list of winners:
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Sports Person of the Year
Tapiwa Makarawu (Athletics)
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Junior Sports Person of the Year: Kelis Ndlovu.
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Junior Sports Woman of the Year
Kellis Ndlovu (Cricket)
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Junior Sportsman of the Year
David Nyamufarira (Athletics)
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Junior Sports Woman of the Year with a Disability
Tawananyasha Salem Mlanda (Special Olympics)
……….
Junior Sports Man of the Year with a Disability
Wisdom Chapwanya (Paralympics)
…….
Sports Woman of the Year
Paige Van Der Westhuizen (Swimming)
…….
Sportsman of the Year
Tapiwa Makarawu (Athletics)
…….
Sports Woman of the Year with a Disability
Tinotenda Bango (Paralympics)
………
Sports Man of the Year with a Disability
Kudakwashe Chigwedere (Paralympics)
……..
Professional Boxing and Wrestling Promoter of the Year
Lindsay Earle
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Professional Boxing
Outstanding Professional Male Boxer
Hassan Milanzi
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Outstanding Professional Female Boxer
Monica Mkandla
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Coach of the Year
Piet Benade (Rugby)
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Technical Official of the Year
Langton Rusere (Cricket)
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Team of the Year
Zimbabwe Sables (Rugby)
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Administrator of the Year
Carol Pakenham (Triathlon)
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National Sport Association of the Year
Zimbabwe Cricket
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Women in Sport Award
Precious Pazani (Rugby)
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Sport Reporter of the Year
Ellina Mhlanga ( The Herald)
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Sport Journalist of the Year-Electronic
Ash Tikiwa (STAR FM Zimpapers)
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Sport Media House of the Year
Zimbabwe Television Network
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Corporate Sponsor of the Year
Delta Beverages
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National Team Sponsor of the Year
Nedbank Zimbabwe
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Club Corporate Partner of the Year
Sakunda Holdings Group of Companies
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Special Acknowledgement Award for the Promotion of Sport Diplomacy and Positive Profiling Zimbabwe Sport
Stanley Mutoya (African Union Sports Council Region 5)
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Post Humous Special Acknowledgement Award
Aaron Jani (Zimbabwe Rugby Union)
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