Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) have been plunged into a leadership crisis after it emerged yesterday that the association’s acting president, Tapfuma Parirenyatwa, has quit his post in the administration.
Parirenyatwa, who also doubles as the senior national team doctor, tendered his resignation on Thursday last week.
The former Zimbabwe eighthman was part of the Sables’ backroom staff on their successful Rugby Africa Cup title defence, which came with it a ticket to the 2027 World Cup in Australia. Parirenyatwa has since revealed his intentions to also step down from his role in the Sables technical setup.
He is one of two deputies to the suspended ZRU president, Losson Mtongwiza, and was the union’s acting leader when the Sables reached their finest moment and ended a 34-year wait to qualify for the World Cup.
“It’s been a mixed bag,” said Parirenyatwa.
“There are some who are thankful for me holding fort as the Sables qualified for the World Cup, while others have called me selfish for abandoning the union.
“Others have been gracious, wished me well and congratulated me for the work that I have done in the interim.”
Still, Parirenyatwa is at peace with his decision, revealing that it was not an overnight consideration as a lot of thought went into the process.
“It was not an easy decision,” he said. “The thing is, I have a lot on my plate with a growing business and a young family to take care of. Holding office, the presidency for that matter, is a full-time job that needs time, effort or balance, otherwise all three might suffer.
“Besides, this was always the plan.
“When I got elected as acting president, it was on an interim basis, with my main goal being to help navigate the Rugby Africa Cup and, hopefully, Zimbabwe qualify for the Rugby World Cup.
“We managed to do that and now the sport, union and rugby community deserves someone who can help navigate the next 18 months right up to the World Cup.” Parirenyatwa believes he has done his part and laid the foundation for the next elected official to start on a clean slate.
“I will also be dissolving the Zimbabwe Rugby Trust to allow the incoming president to elect a new Trust, and the current Trust members are readily available for the relevant hand-over and take-over procedures,” he said in his resignation letter to the ZRU.”
“My resignation will be effective thirty days from the date of this letter. I stand guided by the constitution, but I suggest that after these thirty days, fresh elections for the position are called for, in which I will not stand as a candidate.
“I have been mentoring a few young doctors with the plan for them to take over some day. I believe that now is the time to get a new, younger face to run around and help out with the team.
“I am in the process of facilitating the hand-over and will probably not be part of the Sables’ technical set up on their next assignment.”
Parirenyatwa feels a sense of ride as he bows out of the ZRU structures.
“I am extremely proud of the work that was done during my brief time as acting president of the ZRU and resignation should take nothing away from us enjoying this moment,” he said.
“If you check the history books, we only made it to the World Cup because South Africa was suspended and we were the next best option.
“This means that this is the first time we have actually qualified for the World Cup and that is something to be proud of and enjoyed.”
As Parirenyatwa leaves, Mtongwiza’s disciplinary hearing is scheduled for tomorrow, after which the ZRU board will then decide on the next steps.
