Story by Anashe Murombedzi
ZIMBABWEAN sprinter, Tapiwanashe Makarau stole the show at the 2024 Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA) held in Harare this Sunday, taking home both the Sports Person of the Year and Sportsman of the Year awards.
Makarau, a United States-based sprinter, has been making waves in the athletics world, with his impressive performances including taking part at the Paris 2024 Olympics where he finished sixth in the 200m final.
The ever smiling Makarau also won two indoor titles on the College circuit in the United States of America as well as winning a silver medal at Africa senior championship in Cameroon last year.
Speaking from his base in the United States of America, Makarau feels honoured.
“I am feeling proud, and I am grateful for my family who have been instrumental in my journey, I also want to thank my coaches who have been helping me in training, ZOC, SŔC and NAAZ,” Makarau said.
Rising cricket sensation, Kellis Ndlovu was also another double winner on the night.
The Zimbabwe Cricket Under-19 women’s captain and senior women’s team star scooped the Junior Sportswoman and Junior Sportsperson of the Year awards.
The national rugby team, the Sables bagged the Team of the Year award, after outstanding achievements in 2024 including winning the Africa Cup and rising to 28th in the World Rankings, Zimbabwe’s highest position in a decade.
“This award is a great boost to our quest to qualify for the 2027 World Cup, we are thrilled to be recognised as Team of the Year, and we look forward to continuing our upward trajectory in the world of rugby,” Zimbabwe Rugby Team captain, Hilton Mudariki said.
Sables coach, Pieter Benade was named as the Coach of the Year, while trailblazing referee, Precious Pazani won the Woman in Sport award.
Former Zimbabwe Rugby Union president, Aaron Jani, who passed on early this year, was honoured posthumously for his contribution to the sport he administered for more than two decades in various positions.
South African-based pugilist Monica Mkandla, who took home the Outstanding Professional Female Boxer award, was ecstatic about her win.
“I am happy with the award, and I look forward to more accolades in the future,” Mkandla said.
The ANSA Awards also celebrated the achievements of athletes with disabilities as Tawananyasha Mlanda was honoured as Junior Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability, while Wisdom Chapwanya took home the award for Sportsman of the Year with a Disability.
The ceremony also recognised the contributions of sports administrators, technical officials, and media personalities.
Zimbabwe Cricket was awarded National Sport Association of the Year, while Carol Pakenham took home the Administrator of the Year award.
Zimbabwe’s top cricket umpire, Langton Rusere was recognised as Technical Official of the Year, while Africa Union Sports Council Region Five, Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Mutoya got the special acknowledgement award for promoting sport diplomacy.
The Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA) is a prestigious event that celebrates and recognises the achievements of Zimbabwe’s top sports personalities, teams, and administrators.
The awards aim to promote excellence, dedication and hard work in the sports sector, while also inspiring future generations of athletes and sports enthusiasts.
