ZRU leadership rallies to raise funds for Dzinomurumbi

Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) leadership has taken the lead in coming to the aid of former Sables backline player, Zivanai Dzinomurumbi who is hospitalised in Masvingo.

ZRU president Aaron Jani, vice-president Losson Mtongwiza have contributed US$1 500 to spearhead the process of raising funds for Dzinomurumbi. Former Sables coach, Godwin “Jaws” Murambiwa who coached Dzinomurumbi at national team level has also contributed US$100 to meet Dzinomurumbi’s medical bills.

“The Zimbabwe Rugby Union president Aaron Jani and the ZRU vice-president North Losson Mtongwiza have put forward US$1 500 to kick-start the fund raise initiative for coach Zivanai Dzinomurumbi. High Performance Gear, through its director and former Sables head coach Godwin ‘Jaws’ Murambiwa has chipped in with USD$100 to start the purse,’’ read a statement from ZRU.

Yesterday, ZRU vice-president South, Martin Shone visited Dzinomurumbi in hospital. According to Shone, the former Sables player is talking but he is weak. He has been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. Cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure.

Dzinomurumbi was one of the few black players to represent the country after independence. ZRU on Friday appealed for financial assistance for the former Sables wing to undergo heart surgery.

“Zivanai Dzinomurumbi is currently hospitalised with a heart ailment and needs an urgent operation. We are appealing to all sports and rugby loving people of this beautiful country to assist raise funds for his emergency medical operation. Any donation is greatly appreciated,’’ read the ZRU statement.

Super Ziv, as Dzinomurumbi is known in rugby circles, has been actively involved in giving back to the game that made him a household name by coaching Old Miltonians and Matabeleland senior men’s teams having also been a Sables backline coach under Christopher Lampard.

In another development in the sport, while the year 2020 looks gloomy for the country’s Fifteens rugby team, the Sables, 2021 already looks promising, with Zimbabwe to play in South Africa’s Currie Cup First Division.