Chronicle Editor
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) has advertised more national team coaching positions as well as managerial posts, with the most high-profile job up for grabs being that of national men’s sevens team coach that has been held by Gilbert Nyamutsamba for four years.
Nyamutsamba has been the Cheetahs coach continuously since 2016 when he took over from Daniel Hondo. Nyamutsamba’s last international assignment was in February when the Cheetahs took part in the two legs of the inaugural World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series played in Chile and Uruguay.
After the two tournaments, Zimbabwe finished eighth out of the 16 teams, which meant they had qualified for World Series Qualifier that was meant to take place in early April in Hong Kong but was scrapped due to the coronavirus.
The Cheetahs had qualified for the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series after they finished third at last year’s Africa Men’s Sevens held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Zimbabwe were also meant to take part in a 2020 Olympic qualifying tournament in June, an event that was postponed due to Covid-19.
In the advertisement, ZRU said the prospective candidate for the Cheetahs head coach’s role must be a holder of a World Rugby level sevens coaching certificate or equivalent, have an excellent knowledge of the game through playing along with coaching and prior experience in mentoring a High-Performance team. The deadline for applications is 17 August.
Nyamutsamba yesterday said he had not made a decision on whether to apply for the post since he is still consulting those close to him before he decides on the way forward.
“I have not made a decision, there are still a few things to consider, there are still consultations I am doing at the moment and will make a decision before deadline day for applications,’’ Nyamutsamba said.
Other national team coach positions advertised by ZRU are that of the senior women’s fifteens as well as sevens, Zimbabwe A men, Under-20 women’s team and Under-20 boys.
Team managers are also being sought for Zimbabwe A, Cheetahs (two posts), women’s fifteens, Lady Cheetahs, Under-18 boys, Under-20 for both men and women. Aspiring candidates must be able to generate revenue for their respective teams, be in possession of a first aid certificate as well as Level One coaching qualification.
ZRU chief executive officer, Sifiso Made recently wrote to all national team coaches to inform them that the union will be advertising all posts except for the Sables technical team. Sables coach Brendan Dawson, together with his supporting staff have been given the mandate to qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup to be held in France. — @Mdawini_29
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