ZRU in turmoil

Allan Foti
REPORTS have emerged from the rugby world of turmoil within the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) a few weeks after an interim executive was appointed by the Sports and Recreation Commission.

Allegations of racism, favouritism, and cronyism as well as back door efforts to bring back fired executives and coaches have been levelled against the Russell Karimazondo-led interim executive committee.

There have also been reports of efforts to get rid of the Union’s chief executive officer, Blessing Chiutare.

The sources said Karimazondo and his backers from his parent club, Old Georgians is behind a plot to “return” the sport to some former administrators and recall coaches like Brendan Dawson while firing Sevens legend, Gilbert Nyamutsamba from his present job as Cheetahs head coach.

The plot is said to have received the backing of Old Hararians who are said to be angling for key appointments in return for their support of Karimazondo’s plans.

The sources went further to allege that Karimazondo travelled to Bulawayo where he met former Sables coach, Dawson and offered to bring him back to the national team set-up. Dawson has reportedly begun communicating with foreign-based players in preparation for his impending appointment.

“Since his appointment as interim Union chairman, Russell has already been to Bulawayo to meet Brendan Dawson and offer his old job back. We also know that he is trying to bring back Colleen (ex-ZRU chief executive) at the expense of the incumbent,” the sources claimed.

Another allegation against Karimazondo is that he is trying to push for a vote of no confidence to be passed against the suspended executive of Nyararai Sibanda and Noddy Kanyangarara and call for immediate elections in the hope that they would be elected substantive office bearers and not have to report to the SRC who appointed them.

“These guys are trying to influence the board to pass a vote of no confidence against Sibanda and company and immediately call for fresh elections that they hope to win. They want to get elected so that they don’t have to report to the SRC, but their plan could come unstuck as a vote of no confidence will have to be followed by a 90-day interim period before fresh elections are held,” the sources continued.

ZRU general manager Sifiso Made is also in the mix, allegedly being used by Karimazondo to further his agenda. Made is already reported to be developing a bad rap with World Rugby because of a failure to concentrate on agreed timelines for development and instead focusing on the Union’s internal politics.

When sought for a comment, Karimazondo dismissed the allegations as merely social media gossip.

“You are asking me about something that I know absolutely nothing about. I can’t comment on something I know nothing about, I can’t comment on gossip. I met Brendan Dawson at a water polo tournament, I don’t have that mandate to approach anyone. I cannot comment on Facebook gossip,’’ Karimazondo said.