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Mike Manduna, a retired referee who achieved both, says being the first assistant to Larry Mortimer in the 1968 exchange match between Zimbabwe, then Rhodesia and a grouping of soccer stars from the United Kingdom under the banner John Charles at Bata Stadium, inspired him to more success.
So inspiring it was to an extent that Manduna named one of his sons, Mortimer after the former great referee. The illustrious career is marked by a rare achievement of having a handshake from President Mugabe three times in 1984.

“For me it was a great honour to handle the match between Zimbabwe and John Charles at Bata Stadium as the first assistant  to Larry Mortimer who is my source of inspiration. So inspiring was    this man such that to keep the memories fresh in mind I named one of my sons Mortimer.
“But the biggest highlight was shaking hands with President Mugabe three times in 1984 at Rufaro Stadium. Not many referees will get such an opportunity. At first I was nervy when I officiated at a match between

Dynamos and Highlanders. The other matches were the big Harare derby Caps United versus Dynamos and the third one was the Eagles versus Caps United match.
The soft-spoken former referee said for young referees to achieve  such a feat, they needed to be honest and conduct themselves              professionally.
“There is need for the referees to be honest in their dealings to reach the status some of the best referees reached. Once they adhere to ethics they will become great referees.

“The environment has changed at the moment and our game is so          heavily inclined on money making it so exposed to corruption such as match fixing.
“During our time it was passion first and we would be content with what we got,” said Manduna.
On his passion for the game, Manduna said he was still passionate about the game.

“My passion remains in the game that gave me fame but church duties at times do not allow me to be that active,” he said.
“After retiring at the age of 50 in 1995, I became a commissioner  and became a member of the disciplinary committee in the Midlands  province.
“I promise I will be back in the near future,” said Manduna.

Born on the 2nd of April 1945 at Cross Roads under Chief Malisa, Manduna went to Railways primary school and later Ascot primary school before joining Bata Shoe Company in 1961.
He cut his refereeing teeth in December 1967 when together with the late Seve Mhondiwa, Cephas Makina, Rolly Josephus Jalasi, Wilbert Muringani, Parazhira, Mqanjelwa and Magida were encouraged by Basil Mossy to train as referees.

Some of the national referees he was involved with include Paul Pretorious, Giga and the late Bhule.
A trained electrician, who has served at Bata, Gweru City, Castings, Air Force of Zimbabwe, Gypsy Caravan and Dairy Marketing Board, Manduna spent the greater part of his life in Gweru.