SPORTS REPORTER
MIDLANDS-The wait is finally over for ZIFA Central Region Soccer League veteran middle man, Cuthbert Zigwati as he was crowned the referee of the year after 14 years of service.
Zigwati was crowned the best referee in 2023 after officiating for 14 years on the bounce.
He received the award at the glittering ZIFA Ruvimbo Funeral CRSL awards ceremony held at the top hotel in the mining town of Shurugwi, Nichrut Lodge on Saturday.
Central Region board member competitions, Tafadzwa Samushonga handed over the award to Zigwati following a five star performance during the season.
He was accompanied by referees Midlands Province regional coordinator, Munyaradzi Majoni.
Zigwati who owns a mobile phone business in Kwekwe became a referee in 2009 and has risen within the structures from class 4 where he was officiating for lower leagues until now where he is counted among the best in the country.
The 38 year old is known by players to be a no nonsense referee who makes firm and quick decisions within the blink of an eye as the game progresses.
He told The Midweek Watch he felt highly honoured to have won such a prestigious award in his lifetime.
“l am now 38 years old and I became a referee in 2009, but this is the first time I have ever won such an award. Refereeing is tough as you have to make split decisions hence l am happy to be honored”, he said.
For his exploits Zigwati walked home smiling with a prize money of US$250.
