TRIBUTES are pouring in for International Cricket Council (ICC) development manager for Africa Cricket Patricia Kambarami whose sudden death this week shook the continent’s cricket circles.
Kambarami is sister to the late Chingoka brothers Peter and Paul who led Zimbabwe Cricket board and Tennis Zimbabwe, respectively.
She worked as an administrator for Tennis Zimbabwe during probably the best period for the organisation.
Rwanda Cricket Association released a statement on Thursday paying tribute to the experienced administrator.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing on of Patricia Kambarami, the ICC Africa development manager. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, ICC Africa office and the Africa cricket fraternity. Her dedication and contribution to the game will always be remembered,”the statement read.
The Uganda Cricket Association also shared their grief at Kambarami's demise.
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden passing of the ICC Africa regional manager Patricia Kambarami. Our condolences go out to her family, friends, and colleagues. Patricia has been a great supporter of the development of the game in Africa. May her soul rest in peace.”
Cricket South Africa said: “Across her career, she has masterfully managed top-tier international events from the Champion League Twenty20 to the FIFA World Cup Fan Park and the Indian Premier League. Her expertise spans diverse spectacles like the ICC Champions Trophy and the IT Davis Cup, showcasing her ability to orchastrate successful events across.”
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While foreign cricket associations lauded Kambarami, there was a deafening silence from local sports bodies giving credence to the expression that “a prophet is not without honour save in his own country”.
Kambarami built a strong profile over the years having been part of the organising structures for the 2003 ICC World Cup which Zimbabwe partly hosted.
After the Zimbabwe matches had finished, she moved to South Africa as part of the organising team of what was left of the tournament.
She took up many roles within South African cricket structures including getting appointed Titans franchise chief operating officer.
In 2015, she beat off Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates powerhouses, Jessica Motaung and Thandi Merafe respectively, to win the coveted Sportswoman of the Year award for her outstanding work as chief operating officer of Titans Cricket.
