SOUTH Africa based Zimbabwe rugby referee, Shemeah Mushiribindi continues to get recognition across the Limpopo River after he was appointed to officiate at the Coca-Cola Under-16 Grant Khomo Week at Grey College, Bloemfontein in July.

The 24-year old from Bulawayo’s high density suburb of Nketa but now domiciled in the Mpumalanga town of Witbank expressed his delight in being named among the match officials for the tournament which runs from 10 to 14 July.

“I am so excited because this is a huge step for me also as a young up and coming referee. This is my first year in the Academy panel and I just got appointed to a National Week. I am so grateful, glory be to the Almighty,’’ said Mushiribindi.

His appointment to the Grant Khomo Week must come as an exciting moment for his mentor, Simbarashe Dangah who showed belief in the youngster from the time he took up rugby refereeing in 2010. Mushiribindi moved to South Africa last year at the invitation of Mpumalanga Rugby Referees chairman Steve Brits, a move which has really improved his officiating.

Last year, Mushiribindi was assistant referee for the Currie Cup Under-21 match between the Pumas and Blue Bulls at Mbombela Stadium on 10 September before he went on to be fourth official for the seniors fixture on the same day.

His exploits in South Africa saw him named the 2016 Matabeleland Rugby Referees Society Referee of the Year at an awards ceremony held at Hartsfield on 22 December.

Mushiribindi was back home recently to officiate at the Dairibord Schools Rugby Festival in Harare and also took charge of the biggest game of the opening weekend of the second term between Falcon College and Prince Edward in Esigodini which ended 24-14 in favour of the Tigers.

Meanwhile, the national trials will take place in Esigodini as well as Harare where on Friday and Saturday where selectors are expected to choose players to represent the country at the annual Coca-Cola Youth Weeks in South Africa next month. Falcon College is the venue for the Under-14 trials while, the Under-17 and Under-17 will converge at Gateway.The country is sending four boys teams to the Under-13 Craven Week, Under-16 Grant Khomo Week, Under-18 Craven Week and Under-18 Academy Week. All the four teams are sponsored by Old Mutual.

@Mdawini_29