New ZRU President Mtongwiza vows reform and rugby ...

New ZRU President Mtongwiza vows reform and rugby revival

Philemon Jambaya

The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) has a new leader at the helm, with Loson Mtongwiza emerging victorious in a closely contested election at the 129th Annual General Meeting held in Harare this past Saturday. Mtongwiza's narrow one-vote win over incumbent Aaron Jani signifies a turning point for the ZRU, and the newly elected president has wasted no time outlining his ambitious plans for the future of Zimbabwean rugby.

Mtongwiza recognizes the need for a strong foundation and has prioritized revamping the ZRU's governance structures. His vision includes establishing a more transparent and efficient system, crucial for fostering trust and attracting investment. Additionally, he acknowledges the limitations of the current ZRU offices and has pledged to secure new facilities that can adequately support the union's operations.

Understanding the importance of nurturing young talent, Mtongwiza has placed grassroots development at the core of his agenda. A nationwide initiative aimed at training 1,000 new coaches will serve as a catalyst for expanding the sport's reach and igniting passion for rugby at the community level.

Mtongwiza's vision extends beyond simply growing the player base. He is committed to establishing a robust high-performance program designed to elevate Zimbabwean rugby to new heights. This program will encompass year-round training for national teams, the creation of specialized academies for Under-20 and Under-23 players, and a strategic focus on preparing these teams to compete at the highest level.

Mtongwiza's ambitions are not confined to Zimbabwe's borders. He has set his sights on securing two franchise spots in South Africa's competitive rugby landscape. This audacious move would provide unparalleled opportunities for Zimbabwean players to test their skills against top-tier South African teams, accelerating their development and propelling Zimbabwean rugby onto the international stage.

With Tapfuma Parirenyatwa and Thembalami Ncube by his side as vice presidents, Mtongwiza leads a team committed to revitalizing Zimbabwean rugby. Their success will hinge on effectively implementing these ambitious plans and securing the necessary resources. The ZRU faithful will be watching with keen interest to see if Mtongwiza's leadership can usher in a new era of good governance, player development, strategic expansion, and ultimately, a resurgent Zimbabwean rugby scene.