adminPaul Munyuki Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Rugby Union leadership will this morning come face-to-face with their bitter stakeholders for the annual meeting at Prince Edward School’s sports pavilion at 10am.
Sponsorship and administrative issues are expected to be the key issues in a meeting that was initially set to take place on March 8 and has attracted unusual attention from both the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture and the Sports Commission.
The meeting was postponed after the ZRU indicated that all their affiliates, save for the referees, Matabeleland Rugby and schools had held their annual meetings.
Over the past several months, the issue of Colleen de Jong’s unconstitutional holding of office and allegations that the ZRU sabotaged a sponsorship deal between the National Rugby League and Delta Beverages, have been hot topics in the rugby circles.
And this has drawn a lot of attention, especially following the ill-advised testimony that Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Andrew Langa, gave to the Parliamentary Portfolio committee on the issue.
Three weeks ago, Langa appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio committee where he was asked why de Jong was holding office yet she was not an elected vice-president.
Langa wrongly defended the appointment made by ZRU president, John Falkenberg, claiming the ZRU constitution provided for that.
Sport and Recreation Commission director-general, Charles Nhemachena, then told The Herald they had summoned the ZRU over the matter but were waiting for the issue to be brought before the Union’s stakeholders.
“Yes, we have called the Zimbabwe Rugby Union executives to clarify with us on the matter, we have and will continue to consult with them with regards to that matter but we will have the full results after their annual meeting,” said Nhemachena.
This year the ZRU took over the running of the local leagues, appointed a committee to do so but there won’t be sponsorship for the domestic competitions that will not be played in a national format but at provincial or regional level.
Other issues that are also expected on the agenda include developmental and financial issues.
Online Reporter