ZRU board dissolved
ZIMBABWE Rugby Union president Nyararai Sibanda and his board have paid the ultimate price for the Sables’ sensational fall from grace with the Sports Commission dissolving his leadership on Monday.
The ZRU board has in the last few months come under the spotlight following the indifferent performances by the senior national team in the Africa Gold Cup in which the Sables just managed to survive relegation from Group A1 after finishing a place above demoted Senegal.
The crisis in the union, which was largely administrative, attracted the interests of Sport and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane, who demanded a probe by the Sports Commission.
ZRU chief executive Blessing Chiutare was, however, spared the axe. “I write on behalf of the SRC board to inform the nation that at its business meeting convened on 7 August 2017, the president and the executive board of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union were suspended with immediate effect,’’.
Chief executive Blessing Chiutare was, however, spared the axe in the clean-up at ZRU.
“I write on behalf of the SRC board to inform the nation that at its business meeting convened on 7 August 2017, the president and the executive board of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union were suspended with immediate effect,’’ acting Sports Commission director-general Joseph Muchechetere said.
“Note that this decision excludes the chief executive officer (Chiutare) who is also the secretary-general of the ZRU.
• The continued deterioration of the state and administration of rugby as evidenced by the poor results from matches played against Namibia, Kenya, Tunisia and Uganda showed that there is completely the absence of unity of purpose within the rugby system
“This decision was made after having carefully deliberated on the challenges affecting the Zimbabwe Rugby Union since its inception as a board in 2016. The suspension has been based on the following reasons:
• Failure to adhere to the provisions of the Sport and Recreation Commission Act (Chapter 25:15) of 1991 and revised in 1996 and regulations (1995) by wilfully not seeking clearance of the Zimbabwe Women’s Rugby team which toured Francistown, Botswana on 27 May 2017 and when hosted Zambian national teams for the period 2-4 June 2017
• In view of the above, the SRC board guided by the SRC Act (Chapter25:15 of 1991 and revised in 1996) section 30 has ruled that the Zimbabwe Rugby Union has
a) Ceased to operate as a national sport association
b) Failed to comply with the provision of the SRC Act and
c) Conducted itself in a manner contrary to national interests,’’ wrote Muchechetere.
“The SRC board also noted with concern that through a letter dated 1 August 2017, addressed to the president of the union to make a written presentation and was to be submitted by August 4, 2017, unfortunately up to the time of making this decision no submission had been made.
The acting Sports Commission director-general also accused Sibanda of ignoring a call by the supreme body to submit a written report on the state of the ZRU by August 4.
“This is despite numerous reminders and calls to the CEO. As such the board lost the opportunity given to it to be heard.
“In line with this suspension, none of the members of the suspended executive board shall be permitted to transact any business on behalf of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union during the period of suspension.
“In line with this suspension, none of the members of the suspended executive board shall be permitted to transact any business on behalf of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union during the period of suspension.
“In view of this suspension, the Sport and Recreation Commission, in line with section 30 of the SRC Act Chapter 25:15 of 1991 revised in 1996) would go ahead and recommend capable individuals for appointment by the Minister of Sport and Recreation into the committee to administer the affairs of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union’’.
Muchechetere said the interim committee that would run ZRU would be accountable to the Commission and not to members of the union as the association has ceased to exist.
BY Petros Kausiyo
