While many girls her age shy away from male-dominated sports, Ntangaedzeni Mugari from Tsianda village embraced the challenge, choosing football refereeing as a career.
Her interest began while she was an athlete at Gwamasenga High. In 2015, she was recruited by Safa Vhembe Stream D referee selector Nkhumiseni Nyambeni and started officiating matches locally. After initial tests, she was assigned to the provincial women's league, where she impressed match commissioners. She later passed fitness tests in Gauteng for the National Hollywood League, earning promotion to the Safa National Women's League, where she currently serves as a middle referee.
Mugari paid tribute to her mentors, including Nyambeni, who taught her life skills, encouraged her to stay focused during matches, and always have a match plan ready. She also named former PSL referee Akhona Makalima, who officiates in FIFA and international matches, as her role model.
Her goal is to officiate in the Premier Soccer League within three years and at international level in the future. She praised players and officials for their guidance, noting they offered advice even when her mistakes cost their teams valuable points. She added that she had never faced threats in her career.
"I am committed to helping and inspiring young people to become excellent sportsmen and sportswomen," she said. "I always urge youths to put effort into whatever they do, whether in academics or sport."