Takudzwa Pedzai carries himself with a calm presence, the kind that does not demand attention yet naturally earns it. As a teacher, development director, referee, and coach, he works tirelessly to strengthen the foundations of korfball, but his journey is far richer than his titles suggest. It is a story shaped by classrooms, courts, and countless moments of reflection that have defined the leader he has become.

His first lessons in leadership were learned in a classroom. Teaching taught Takudzwa patience, clear communication, and how to manage diverse personalities, all skills that now serve him on the korfball court. “Teaching taught me how to remain calm under pressure,” he says. “It gave me the confidence to make fair decisions even in tense situations.” It is easy to imagine him in front of a class, steady and measured, the same way he stands in the middle of a high-stakes match today. This experience has allowed him to read people, defuse tension, and guide players and officials alike with quiet authority.

To those who do not know him, Takudzwa may appear reserved. But to sit next to him at a tournament or meet him in a school hallway is to discover something deeper. “I would want people to notice how invested I am in the growth of the sport,” he explains. “I want them to see my quiet leadership and my love for creating a positive, inclusive environment.” That is the part of him that stays hidden unless you look carefully, the part that keeps him working late, supporting players, and reminding everyone why korfball matters.

Yet leadership comes with sacrifices. Takudzwa reflects on the heavy cost of devotion to the sport. “It has taken personal time and moments with family,” he says. “There is unseen exhaustion, missed milestones, and emotional battles no one sees.” Behind the whistles, rules, and coaching sessions lies a life of dedication and quiet struggle.

Along his journey, one person has been a constant source of strength. “Leadership can be lonely, but I am grateful for Ms Kurebwaseka,” he says. “From the moment I was introduced to korfball during my teaching practice, she believed in me. Sometimes all it takes is one person to see potential in you before you even see it in yourself.” Her mentorship has been a guiding light, shaping the official, coach, and leader he is today.

There is one moment Takudzwa will never forget. It happened during the All Africa Korfball Championship in 2022 in Lusaka. He was entrusted to officiate the opening match between Zambia and South Africa. Standing there, with the crowd roaring and the tension rising, he felt something shift within him. “That match changed me,” he recalls. “I felt the weight of responsibility not just to apply the rules but to uphold the integrity of the game.” The experience sharpened his confidence, deepened his love for korfball, and marked a turning point in his officiating journey.

Even the strongest leaders have moments of doubt. Takudzwa laughs as he recalls countless times his mind has urged him to quit. “Rest now, why all this pressure,” he says with a smile. “I have thought of quitting many times.” But he always finds his way back, discovering that korfball is inseparable from his life. “Korfball is my life. I will always pursue it,” he affirms.

Off the court, Takudzwa continues to grow. He focuses on understanding emotions, both his own and those of others. “I am learning to manage emotions and understand how people feel,” he says. Leadership, he has learned, is no longer about always having the answers. “I once believed a leader must always know everything. Now I know true leadership is about listening, learning, and creating space for others to grow. It is okay to say I do not know.”

Takudzwa’s journey began long before he ever held a whistle. In primary school he played volleyball. In secondary school he shifted to basketball. Later, during his teaching practice, he discovered korfball, a sport that would redefine his identity. These early experiences built the athlete, the teacher, and ultimately the leader he is today.

What Takudzwa wants most is unity. “I wish all stakeholders could come together and make korfball great,” he says. He believes deeply in the sport’s potential. “Korfball is a powerful tool to address gender imbalances in the community,” he explains. With mixed-gender teams and equal participation, korfball stands as a quiet but strong statement about fairness and shared opportunity.