Robert Mutsauki gives touching tribute in memory of Brian Warren

I first got to work closely with Brian Warren in 1998 after the watershed Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) elections when we both joined the ZOC Executive Board. I was elected as First Vice President while he became a Board Member.

Prior to this development I had positive interaction with him at fora involving National Sport Associations in my capacity as President of the then Amateur Athletic Association of Zimbabwe (AAAZ) in the mid 90s while he represented the Judo Association which he served and headed for many years.

We also interacted when I was appointed Chef de Mission of Team Zimbabwe for the Commonwealth Games (Victoria ‘94) and Olympic Games (Atlanta ’96) since Judo was one of the sport codes under consideration.

From the outset it became evident that Warren took his responsibilities seriously always contributing thoughtfully and meaningfully.

As we progressed with our mandate on the ZOC Board he continued to be one of those adding value and successfully took up various responsibilities assigned by the Board; in this respect one could say he consistently had his shoulder to the wheel and could always be relied upon to carry out a mandate or mission successfully.

Although Warren was a friendly individual, he valued his independence of thought and certainly spoke his mind both in and outside Board meetings hence one could expect honest and constructive feedback from him.

He was also respected by his colleagues for his professional approach to sport business and the fact that he had vast knowledge and relevant experience which he had accumulated over the years buttressed by invaluable international exposure.

We also leveraged his engineering expertise when we were developing the ZOC Headquarters in Belvedere.

Warren was to become ZOC Vice President in 2004, a natural progression in recognition of his immense contribution and commitment to the Sport and Olympic Movement.

Sometime in 2009 I asked Warren what he considered as his greatest contribution to ZOC and in response he said he was not sure considering the many contributions he had made over the years. I then gave him my own thoughts.

In my view, his greatest contribution to ZOC is the leadership he provided when ZOC had a major leadership crisis between 2005 and 2006. I was ZOC Chief Executive then and worked very closely with Warren and Admire Masenda who both acted as ZOC President (alternating on a monthly basis for more than a year). This was by no means an ideal arrangement and some even felt this was risky since ZOC had suddenly plunged into stormy waters and what this ‘ship’ needed was a steady captain … not two.

Fortunately Warren worked harmoniously with Masenda during this trying period ensuring that ZOC remained strong, did not lose direction and the saving grace was that both men acted in the best interest of ZOC. In other words both Warren and Masenda passed a difficult test with flying colours and it was therefore not surprising when the latter was eventually elected as President of ZOC in July 2006.

Warren, again to his credit, neither manipulated the ZOC crisis to his advantage, did not position himself for the imminent elections, did not stand against Masenda for the ZOC Presidency but was prepared to continue serving as Vice President in spite of his solid track record and considerable support within the ZOC constituency.

Even as Warren was seemingly working around the clock attending to sport related issues, he clearly demonstrated very strong family values. One could not help admiring him for his commitment to and support for his extended family most of whom were and are still heavily involved in our sport industry.

One could say that Brian and Pat (his wife) were twin pillars, each supporting the other. We know that Pat is an extraordinary woman who can hold her own but she is also fortunate to have a very supportive family (including a son and three daughters) around her who will give her solace and comfort as well as strength to cope and move on without Brian.

Although Brian is now gone, his legacy lives on and if his good works are emulated by current and future generations, this would contribute to a semblance of immortality …. one which most of us dream about.

Farewell Brian, you can rest in eternal peace knowing that you lived a complete life and gave your best.