She holds long list of records breaking new ground as the first woman in Africa to be appointed as a senior national team coach
Voice recordings of Abigail Kawonza and Abigail Mnikwa: bit.ly/2X1P87c
She was the Head Coach of the Zimbabwe National Women’s Seven’s side, the Lady Cheetahs.
Kawonza has led the team in various tournaments such the Kwese Sevens where the Lady Cheetahs were crowned 2019 Champions as well as giving Zimbabwe its highest ranking in Africa reaching third position after a brilliant run in the 2016 in the Rugby Africa Cup.
She holds long list of records breaking new ground as the first woman in Africa to be appointed as a senior national team coach – this has inspired and opened doors for other women in Africa such as Uganda Sevens head coach Helen Buteme who was appointed in 2009.
Kawonza is also the first woman to be appointed as the President of the Zimbabwe Rugby Referees Association and the first Zimbabwean woman to become a World Rugby Citing Official.
Having served Zimbabwe as a national team rugby player and Old Hararians Sports Club, Kawonza says she would like to leave her national team coaching roles to concentrate on the portfolios she is handling.
“It was a difficult decision for me when you have so much passion for the game. I had decided it was time for me after the 2018 Africa Cup, I feel I have a long and great run with the team.
“I have worked with great players and coaches – there is a solid group of girls that will ensure the successful continuation of women’s sevens. As history shows I will not be able to let go of the team, I will always available to the players and coaches whenever they need me.
“I can now have time to focus on my citing and my role as President of the Zimbabwe Rugby Referees Association, it is a handful, referee tend to be worse than players but I love this job. I have enjoyed my rugby and I am thoroughly enjoying this as well,” said Kawonza.
ZRU Head of Women’s Rugby Abigail Mnikwa applauds the milestones achieved by Kawonza and says she was more than a coach.
“Not only was she a coach but a mentor to the players and other coaches that she took under her wing throughout her tenure as a coach.
“She is not totally leaving us in the rugby circles as she will continue to serve within the rugby community,” said Mnikwa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU).
