The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
NEWLY elected Zimbabwe Rugby Union president Aaron Jani is set to hit the ground running when he officially takes office tomorrow.The former Sables winger says his return to the sport was precipitated by the continued deterioration of the sport and believes he is the man to steady the ship.
“It was disheartening to see how things were going and how the sport was being run,” said Jani.“I thought it was my duty to come back and resolve things since I am a beneficiary of the sport,” he said.
First on the agenda will be the Sables.
“My first task will be to set up a committee that will look into the appointment of coaches especially the Sables.
“The committee has to have qualified people who can lead in terms of getting the right candidate and we will be making the necessary announcements in the coming weeks,” he said.The former Sables winger said he will not waste time in setting up structures which will revive the sport in the country. “We have to start working since we have a tight schedule next year.
“There is need for setting up structures as matter of urgency.
“We will invite people who can help us to get everything moving and this means there will basically be no Christmas holidays for us,” said the new ZRU president.
Jani secured the presidency unopposed, following a last minute withdrawal by Russell Karimazondo.He will be deputised by Losson Mtongwiza and Martin Shone.
Jani’s election comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s biggest rivals Namibia and Kenya have already begun preparations for next year’s Rugby Africa Gold Cup.
The tournament will serve a dual purpose of also acting as qualifiers for 2019 World Cup qualifiers. The winner of the Rugby Africa Gold Cup will secure a spot at the 2019 Rugby World Cup to be hosted by Japan while the second placed team will battle it out with teams from Europe, Asia and South America for a final slot.
Rugby Africa Gold Cup Fixtures
16 June 2018
Zimbabwe v Morocco
Namibia v Uganda
23 June 2018
Namibia v Tunisia
Morocco v Kenya
30 June 2018
Kenya v Zimbabwe
Morocco v Namibia
7 July 2018
Kenya v Uganda
Tunisia v Zimbabwe
4 August 2018
Uganda v Tunisia
Zimbabwe v Namibia
11 August 2018
Uganda v Morocco
Kenya v Tunisia
18 August 2018
Uganda v Zimbabwe
Namibia v Kenya
Tunisia v Morocco
