Awards honour legendary commentator Dennis Liwewe
Legendary Commentator Dennis Liwewe, known as the iconic voice of Zambian football, he has been posthumously awarded the President’s Award at the 2023 National Sports Awards.
Liwewe, who passed away a decade ago, was celebrated for his 41 years of dedicated sports commentary, earning him the moniker “voice of Zambian football.”
Those that were privy to his talent could attest that Football without Liwewe’s voice was incomplete.
People even went as far as turning on the radio to listen to his commentary while muting the television set.
Despite his absence, Liwewe’s enduring legacy resonated strongly with the organisers of the National Sports Awards, leading to his recognition with the prestigious 2023 President’s Award.
The ceremony, aimed at honoring and motivating individuals contributing to Zambian sports, took place in Lusaka last night, showcasing outstanding achievements across various sports disciplines.
Among the recipients were Elizabeth Chatuvela of the Daily Mail, named Sports Journalist of the Year (Print), and Virginia Chilongo of Muvi TV, honored as Sports Journalist of the Year (Electronic).
Additionally, young talents such as 15-year-old Cerys Lillie in Equestrian sports and 17-year-old draughts champion William Chinzewa were lauded as Junior Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year respectively.
In the differently-abled categories, Veldah Siamato and Charles Mulenga clinched the titles of Differently Abled Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year (Special Olympics) respectively.
The coaching fraternity was also recognised, with Lazarus Tembo and Nayombe Muliyunda named Best Coach of the Year (Male) and (Female) respectively.
Team achievements were celebrated as well, with Zambia Junior Golf and the Female Netball Zambia team crowned Team of the Year in their respective categories.
Noteworthy individuals Netball player Beauty Nakazwe scooped the sportswoman of the year while boxer Patrick Chiyemba left as the Sportsman of the year.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Netball federation president Martha Sichone, was awarded Sports Administrator of the Year, and the Boxing Federation, named Federation of the Year.
Track and field legend Samuel Matete, renowned for his achievements at the 1996 Summer Olympics, received the Minister’s Award for his representation of Zambia.
Furthermore, the Zambia Air Force received recognition, the 2023 Medal of Honor Award, particularly honoring their Red Arrows team for their unwavering dedication and contribution to Zambian sports.
The awards ceremony, held under the theme “Celebrating The Gems of Sporting Excellence at 60,” showcased the nation’s rich sporting heritage and celebrated the individuals and organisations driving excellence in Zambian sports.
By Elesani Phiri
Kalemba, April 17, 2024
