THERE is need for Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) aspiring candidates to heed the warning of interim president John Chibuye against issuing statements that have the potential to erode the credibility of the union.
ZRU will soon hold its extraordinary general meeting to usher in a new executive following the resignation of president, Martin Musunka, who cited a fragmented network which he said he was not prepared to lead.
Chibuye’s warning is timely as new office bearers will be faced with the huge task of sourcing for funds from the International Rugby Board, Confederation of Africa Rugby (CAR) as well as the corporate world for the various activities to run smoothly.
Issuing alarming statements at this time will not do the candidates and the union any good but rather those vying for offices should tell the voters what they aim to do for rugby once elected.
The new committee will need to look at issues ranging from attracting a league, national teams and cup competitions sponsors.
Musunka’s reign managed to secure a league sponsorship with Buildcon Investments that saw league winners pocketing K50,000 while winners from the B league getting K30,000.
National teams will equally need sponsorship to fulfil the various international engagements that will come through next year and to get these huge amounts of money will require the union enjoying a good relationship with the business community.
While some issues raised might be genuine, I feel there is need for proper procedure to be followed especially that matters concerning the financial report, where issues of how various funds are or were used, is usually dealt with during annual general meeting.
And it is also important for these desperate aspiring candidates to verify their facts before blowing their trumpets in pubic with a view of wooing votes from the councillors because some of these statements may come to haunt them if elected into office.
It would be wise for candidates to highlight what they will do towards the development of what was once a crowd pulling sport unlike engaging in personal attacks which contributed to the resignation of some members in the past executive.
Many at times, it is easy done from outside than when heavily involved in running of the associations.
I am sure rugby enthusiasts would be happy to hear how the league structure can be strengthened by ensuring that all teams fulfil fixtures unlike was the case last season where some teams donated points at will.
There should be need to see how best the league can become competitive because it will be through having a strong league that our national teams can start performing well at the international stage.
Also top on the agenda is the Castle Sevens, formerly Mosi Sevens, rugby international competition.
This competition used to be a crowd puller as well as attracting teams from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Kenya but dried up in the past three years.
Let there be a linkage between schools rugby and gradual progression of players into the Under-19 and senior teams.
National coaches and players should be picked on merit.
Those contesting the various positions are alive to the many challenges that await them once ushered into office.
People should realise that they are vying for positions to serve and not to enrich their pockets. For comments: eliaschipepo@gmail.com