The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
NEWLY appointed Zimbabwe Rugby Union chief executive officer Blessing Chiutare aims to turn the organisation into a commercial venture that will generate financial resources.
Chiutare, who took over a post that was left vacant by last year’s resignation of Colleen de Jong has spelt out what he wants to achieve as the most senior member of the ZRU secretariat. His aim is to transform ZRU from just a sports association to a money generating venture. In order for that to be achieved, Chiutare is of the view that a business approach has to be adopted with clear separation of powers between the board and the workers.
“I want to turn ZRU into a business not just a sports association. We need to be revenue generating by bringing in corporate culture to the sport, separate board and administrative items. Rebuild the image of the game and grow its support base, grow the area of coverage in and outside the city,’’ outlined Chiutare.
He also aims to stabilise the ZRU ship by reducing the debt, strengthening current partnerships, create new ones to enable the spread of the game and strengthen ties with all stakeholders. A man with a long history in the game, Chiutare has held posts such Harare Sports Club chairman, Harare Metropolitan interim vice-chairman. He has also managed the national Under-20 and Under-21. Chiutare worked in the casino industry for a long time as a manager for African Sun from 1995 until last year where he rose to the rank of general manager.
Chiutare started work at ZRU on 1 May together with the new operations manager, Fortune Zungu as well as marketing and media manager, Raymond Gonte. ZRU yesterday took advantage of the last day of the popular Dairibord Schools Rugby Festival at Prince Edward School to unveil Chiutare, Zungu and Gonte to the media.
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