The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Rugby Union (ZRU) president, Aaron Jani is expected to retain his position unchallenged when elections are held today during the annual general meeting at Prince Edward School in Harare.
The term of office for Jani, his vice-presidents, Martin Shone (South) and Losson Mtongwiza has to be renewed today since the trio was elected at the end of 2017 to replace the leadership of Nyararai Sibanda that was removed from office by the Sports and Recreation Commission in August of that same year.
It appears the rugby family has opted for continuity with Jani and vice-president North Losson Mtongwiza nominated unopposed for their positions, which means they are good as retained. Vice-president South, Martin Shone is being challenged by Craig Change and Theodore Weale. While it could not be established if Change was still gunning for the post, Weale, a former Sables player confirmed that he was going ahead with his challenge against Shone.
There has been an upheaval in the southern part of the country in relation to the stagnant growth of rugby, which has left many unhappy with Shone’s leadership. Chaos in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board where officials have been suspended and removed without serving their full term are some of the issues Shone failed to deal with effectively since he assumed the post of VP South.
Nonetheless, some of the major achievements for Jani’s leadership was eradicating the debt they assumed when came into office, which was US$265 000 at that time. Jani indicated that they had managed to clear the bulk of that debt. Besides election of the presidium, ZRU are also expected to appoint an honorary treasurer and auditors. — @Mdawini_29
