Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, innocent.[email protected]
GERALD Sibanda harbours a vision to elevate Zimbabwe Rugby to the pinnacle of the nation’s sports hierarchy.
The ex-Cheetahs luminary is convinced of the vast potential within the country ripe for cultivation.
He envisions numerous dreams across the nation, poised for liberation. The distinguished sports executive, who has notably transitioned into a prominent football administrator over the past seven years, has chosen to revisit the sport that forged his identity — rugby.
Sibanda’s tenure as an adept administrator spans multiple sporting disciplines, including his role as a boxing promoter and his leadership at the Real Betis Soccer Academy in Zimbabwe.
His collaboration with the esteemed Spanish La Liga club aims to bolster aspiring footballers, enhancing their prospects for international play.
With a successful track record in diverse arenas, Sibanda now aspires to contribute to the rugby domain. He intends to pursue the presidency in the forthcoming elections on May 25, potentially challenging the current president, Aaron Jani, along with other prospective nominees yet to announce their candidacy.
“I always knew at some point I will always consider coming back to rugby and help my country develop and grow. I had to consider my position after being approached by several stakeholders in the game. I am here to ensure the game grows and develops. I am sure we have lost out on developing the game over the years.
“The rugby we played in our time, and what we see today, I think we have lost out. We are living in an era where the game has gone commercial and professional. Zimbabwe needs to catch up with the rest of the world. As a union, we need to catch up with the World Rugby development plan,” said Sibanda.
He hopes to use his sports administration experience to help grow the game in the country.
“I hope the expertise I have learnt in my seven years in sports management with different brands around the world will allow me to help develop the game. I am ready for the challenge. I have surrounded myself with a good team of people who believe Zimbabwe will once again play in the World Cup and want to see the game of rugby grow. We want to rebrand the game to be the number one game in the country,” said Sibanda.
He has crafted a 100-day plan if he gets into office.
“Our first 100 days will see the formation and launch of the Zimbabwe Rugby Foundation. We will ensure the Sables are prepared for the Africa Cup and the World Cup Qualifiers. Our Lady Sables programmes will get an injection so that they can focus on their game and not worry about their welfare anymore,” he said.
Sibanda’s blueprint for rugby in Zimbabwe is ambitious and multifaceted. It encompasses the erection of a 15 000-seat rugby coliseum, the initiation of franchise rugby to provide players with a sustainable income from their passion, and the retention of local talent through educational incentives coupled with rugby.
His strategy further aims to amplify the women’s rugby scene, aligning with the national policy of inclusive progress. Sibanda envisions the establishment of a professional domestic rugby league, the enhancement of rugby infrastructure, and the nurturing of young talent through school programmes and academies.
Sibanda’s illustrious career spanned the globe from 2006 to 2018, featuring semi-professional and professional stints in rugby strongholds like South Africa, Scotland and Romania, among others. His legacy in International Sevens Rugby is particularly notable, with a celebrated tenure from 2007 to 2012 with the legendary Zimbabwe Cheetahs. His achievements include clinching bowls and shields, and individual honours such as being the top try-scorer at the 2009 Sevens Rugby World Cup in Dubai, representing Zimbabwe.
In December 2009, Sibanda’s prowess earned him a spot on the best Sevens Rugby team in the world. His World Cup appearances for Zimbabwe are threefold, including a vice-captaincy for the junior national team at the Under-19 World Cup in Durban, South Africa, in 2005. His leadership in 2009 was instrumental in Zimbabwe’s triumph over Ireland, securing the bowl and a World Cup trophy.
Transitioning from player to mentor, Sibanda was appointed assistant manager for the Zimbabwe 7s rugby team in 2018. That year, the team not only competed at the Sevens Rugby World Cup in San Francisco, USA but also clinched the African championship title. Additionally, Sibanda’s contributions to the Zimbabwe Sables were significant, with 30 appearances between 2006 and 2016.
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