THE resignations of two Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) executive committee members less than a year into their second term of office cannot pass without comment owing to the respect the sport commands in the country.
ZRU vice president Owen Mhango and committee member Moono Muleya quit the Martin Musunka-led executive committee less than a year into their second term of office citing various reasons.
My big man Mhango brought out a lot of issues which he said forced him to resign while my sister Muleya has been, in my view, very diplomatic citing school and family commitments as reasons for her quitting.
Mhango said that he had resigned on principle and in his own words and I quote” “I was hoping things would get better but I am not feeling it really. Simple issues are not being implemented we can’t keep talking about the same things over and over again.
The major thing we are lacking in the ZRU is we lack a lot of resources and everywhere you go to seek sponsorship we always hit a brick wall”.
Mhango also lamented the failure of his regime to host the flagship Castle 7s international over the last three years adding that it had lowered Zambia’s profile on the continent.
“The other problem is we are not very willing to embrace the people who have vast experience in running tournaments,” said Mhango who added that there should also be a rethink in the switch from two to four year terms that was amended in 2013 because of the current state of rugby in Zambia.
Musunka has affirmed with confidence that the union was still intact despite the resignations but from whatever angle you look at, quitting of senior members of any association or organisation there should be cause of worry.
The ZRU chief has not come out strong to answer some concerns raised by Mhango which needs answers.
My humble advice to the union is digest Mhango’s concerns and see where the problem/s are/is because many rugby enthusiasts have raised concerns as to why the prestigious Castle 7s tournament has not been held in last three years and the reasons advanced so far have not been so convincing.
It would be wise for the union executive to reflect on the past and chat the way forward in a bid to build the game of rugby.
However, congratulations to Lusaka Rugby Club for continuing hosting the David Abel Ray Phiri (DARP) International Challenge and hope this event will one day attract participation from regional teams before spreading to other parts.
I know Lusaka Rugby Club should be bitter that they childhood Castle 7’s (initially Mosi 7’s) seems to have dried up but with the commitment shown so far, the DARP tournament can as well become a bigger tournament.
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