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Petros Kausiyo
NEWLY-appointed Sables Trust chairperson Itai Valerie Pasi is ready to hit the ground running and has revealed an audacious and aggressive marketing plan to source resources for the Zimbabwe senior rugby side.
Sables Trust is the commercial vehicle through which the Zimbabwe Rugby Union sources financial and material support for the senior national team.
Pasi plunges into the trenches at a time when Brendan Dawson’s men are taking part in the Victoria Cup. Pasi, a Harare lawyer, is replacing fellow legal practitioner Gerald Mlotshwa.
Mlotshwa stepped down following his appointment to the Sport and Recreation Commission board.
Pasi told The Sunday Mail Sport that she is honoured to be chairing the Trust.
“I am extremely honoured and excited to be taking this role. I acknowledge the great work that Gerald and the Trust have done with the Sables so far. “I also recognise the continued need for financial support from our existing and future sponsors to ensure the team’s success. “The Trust is currently compiling an exciting marketing plan that intends to entice corporates to get involved in uplifting our national team. We are confident that this will result in an influx of sponsorship, which is crucial for the Sables’ welfare,’’ Pasi said.
But who is Itai Pasi?
The 33-year-old is co-founding partner for Mushoriwa Pasi Corporate Attorneys, established in April 2016.
The firm specializes in corporate and commercial law and has successfully dealt with cases in the financial markets, energy, mining and property sectors.
Pasi is presently the managing partner heading the Conveyancing, Securities and Property Law Department.
She studied at the University of Cape Town and the University of Gloucestershire in the United Kingdom.
In April 2016, Pasi was appointed to the CFI Holdings Limited Board of Directors. She served in her capacity as board member until December 2017 when she was appointed acting chairperson of that board, a position she still holds. Pasi also she sits on the CZI Standing Committee on Business Ethics, Standards and Regulatory Affairs.
She has been awarded the Outstanding Advocate and Legal Leader of the Year 2017 award at the Megafest women’s awards.
Founding chairman Mlotshwa, who also served the Trust with distinction, is confident that Pasi will take rugby to another level.
“I founded the Trust in 2017 to help with the welfare and logistics of the national men’s rugby side, the Sables. Since that time, the Sables Trust has been ably financed primarily by Titan Law, Zerttew Resources and Portnex International. “The Trust has seen the Sables brand and profile grow over this period of time. Whilst there was disappointment over their failure to qualify for the Rugby World Cup set for this year, the Trust was able to retain high profile coaches such as Peter de Villiers and remunerate him at standards commensurate with international norms.
“The Trust has been able to attract respected sporting brands such as Canterbury and more recently BLK.
“Last year, the Trust also agreed to finance development of the sport, which has manifested through the Sables Academy which is ably led by the dedicated Brendon Dawson and his technical team. Many of these academy players are now a part of the Sables.
“It was no mean feat to send over 40 players to Cape Town for two months to compete in the SuperSport challenge. This was financed by the Sables Trust, as is the current Victoria Cup.
“The Trust can also claim credit for enticing Machinery Exchange to adopt the ground at Harare Sports Club, now known as Machinery Exchange Rugby Ground.
“I believe that Ms Pasi, with her corporate experience and network, will bring a fresh and exciting dimension to the Sables Trust. In my discussions with her, she has been absolutely motivated by the desire to take the Sables to another level in terms of their welfare and preparations.
“I wish her the very best. The Sables Trust has my firm’s continued financial support,” said Mlotshwa.
Online Reporter