Martin Muleya
Munyaradzi Bakayawo’s (42) nomination as the Referee of the Year at the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Eastern Region Division One League awards, held recently, was a testament to his perseverance and dedication in sport.
However, Bakayawo’s journey to the top has not been without its challenges.
Growing up in Rusape, Makoni district, Bakayawo’s love for soccer began at a young age. He attended Vengere primary and later St. Faith’s High school, where he was an avid soccer player. Tragedy struck in 1997 when both his parents passed on, leaving him to navigate the challenges of adolescence alone.
It was during this difficult period that Bakayawo discovered his passion for refereeing. What started as a hobby to cope his loss eventually became a serious pursuit. In 2003, he wrote his beginner’s examination and began his journey as a certified referee.
“I was a soccer player from primary but when my parents passed on, in 1997, whilst I was doing form three, I started refereeing at school for fun as my father (Paul Bakayawo) was the one who was a referee. I took refereeing seriously in 2003 when I wrote my beginner’s exam. “I once officiated in Division One league from 2007-2010,” narrated Bakayawo in an interview with The Midweek Watch.
In September 2010, he was incarcerated at Rusape prison on charges of rape. He maintained his innocence, claiming the charges were fabricated by his wife following a domestic dispute. The ordeal lasted for over a decade, Bakayawo being released in 2021.
“Towards end of 2010 in September I was incarcerated until 2021. That year November (2010), I was supposed to go for promotional course for Premier League but it was not to be. The reason for my incarceration was that I was having some misunderstandings with my wife and she thought of punishing me by framing a rape case against me, claiming I had raped my own child who was six years at that time.
”I was convicted in February 2011 at Rusape court, sentenced to twenty years in prison and I served 10 years 8 months after the court and prison put aside 9years 4 months on condition of good behavior. When I came out of prison in August 2021, I returned to refereeing and my first fitness test which was held in February 2022 I failed to complete it due to many pressing issues.
“I promised my leaders that it was my first and last fitness test to fail. Thank God, I was afforded the opportunity to officiate that year as a way of encouraging me to continue in the game. I started in Division Two from 2022-23. Then February this year, I was given the opportunity to go for promotional course for Division One of which I did well and passed not knowing that at the end of the season I was going to be voted as the best referee for the season 2024. It was not easy but through hard work, determination and support that has made me to be where I am today,” he added.
Despite the setback, Bakayawo’s love for refereeing never wavered. Upon his release, he threw himself into his craft, determined to make a comeback. His hard work paid off, culminating in his nomination as 2024 Referee of the Year.
Bakayawo’s story is one of resilience and determination. From the turmoil of his past to the triumph of his present, he has proven that with perseverance and passion, anything is possible. As he looks to the future, Bakayawo remains committed to his craft, inspiring a new generation of referees and soccer enthusiasts alike.
