Ermelo rugby referees recognised at Mpumalanga annual awards ceremony | Highvelder News

ERMELO – Rugby referees from across Mpumalanga were honoured at the association’s annual awards ceremony at African Sky Hotel in Ermelo on October 31.

The Mpumalanga Rugby Referees Association recognised match officials for their dedication, commitment and achievements throughout the rugby season.

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Among the recipients were Ermelo-based referees Thabang Maleka, who received the Ambassador of the Year award, and Vuyani Khumalo, who shared the Assistant Referees of the Year award with Nelspruit-based Andy Maphosa.

Other award recipients were:

• Referee of the Year and Best Academic: Tiaan Buys (Nelspruit).
• Referees’ Referee of the Year: Noah Muunganirwa (Witbank).
• Best Improvement Top 10 and Evaluator’s Choice: Steven Jacobs (Secunda).
• Best Improvement Top 20: Kosie Wessels (Nelspruit).
• Best Overall Improvement: Henré Lombard (Nelspruit).
• Best Candidate to Referee: Thabo Masego (Hendrina).
• Rookie of the Year: Qiniso Buthelezi (Hendrina).
• Management of the Year: Okkie van Zyl (Secunda).
• Sevens Referee of the Year: Leo Muunganirwa (Witbank).
• Stirrers: Shemeah Ndlovu (Witbank) and Martin Lombard (Nelspruit).

Several referees were also acknowledged for their involvement in rugby tournaments and national events:

• National Girls Week: Nalizeri Pretorius (Barberton).
• U13 Craven Week: Steven Jacobs (Secunda).
• Winter Games: Rickus Meyer (Secunda).
• Rugby Africa tournament and Noord-Suid tournament: Noah Muunganirwa (Witbank).

The evening also included a gesture of appreciation towards the referees’ partners, who received red roses and personalised mementos in recognition of their continued support and the many weekends spent apart while their partners fulfilled refereeing duties during the rugby season.

The annual ceremony provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of match officials from across the province, including Ermelo, Nelspruit, Secunda, Witbank, Barberton and Hendrina.