Sibanda eyes ZRU presidency

INTERNATIONALLY recognised sports administrator Gerald Sibanda has joined the race to become the Zimbabwe Rugby Union president when the elections are held at the Annual General Meeting on May 25.

A former Cheetahs speedy player, Sibanda who describes himself as a “man of the people” says his vision is to see the growth of the sport.

He wants to see rugby overtaking football and cricket as the most popular sport in the country.

“We will kick-start our journey by ensuring that all administrators of the game, provinces, schools and governing bodies are given their opportunity to be heard and accounted for,” Sibanda said during his manifesto launch in Harare
yesterday.

“Our focus is to govern and grow the game in Zimbabwe which will require all of us to ensure that our departments, be it provincial, schools, referees and national teams are managed with transparency and due diligence.”

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Sibanda has shone in various spheres including in boxing promotion and is now running a vibrant Real Betis Soccer Academy in Zimbabwe.

He struck synergies with the hierarchy of the Spanish LaLiga football club. The benefits have been immense for the local talented football stars and wants to cascade the same in rugby.

“Our first 100 days will see the formation and launch of the Zimbabwe Rugby Foundation. We will ensure the Sables are prepared for the Africa Cup and the World Cup Qualifiers,” he added.

“Our Lady Sables programmes will get an injection so that they can focus on their game and not worry about their welfare anymore.”

Sibanda’s vision includes the construction of a 15 000-seater rugby stadium, introduce franchise rugby for players to earn a living while playing the game they love and retain local players by offering educational opportunities while playing rugby.

Gerald Sibanda Zimbabwe Rugby Union