Sports Reporter
THE Matabeleland Rugby Football Board (MRFB) was forced to cancel elections scheduled for last Sunday as the interim committee had called for a vote without following the constitution. Theo Weale, the MRFB interim chairman, said the “innocent” mistake had been made in good spirit as they wanted a substantive leadership to steer rugby development in the region.
“The elections have been postponed to a later date because there are some constitutional issues which were brought to our attention. “Among other things we should have done was to give a 14-day notice.
“We’re meeting for clubs to give us their feedback today so that we know which direction to take,” said Weale. “In calling for elections, the interim committee, which came in at a time when there were no activities in Bulawayo, felt it’s time for a substantive committee to come since the sport is now running again.
“I think we’ve done our part because now the sport is being played on a regular basis and we also don’t want to overstay our welcome. What we want is for the new committee to come in and implement their vision, which we hope will bring positive outcomes for rugby,” he said.
Last year, the board passed a vote of no confidence on Wayne Robinson and his executive and voted for Nkosana Maphuma to assume the chairmanship post until the next elections.
Robinson’s executive board had Tapiwa Mangezi as the vice-chairman, treasurer Tino Ganiwa and a secretary-general only identified as Lauren.
Old Miltonians’ Weale was later elevated to the position of interim chairman, replacing Maphuma. Other members of the interim executive include Cheetahs coach Gilbert Nyamutsamba, who assumed the treasurer’s role, secretary-general Thabani Tabukwa, committee members Emmanuel Mukandi and Arthur Mathe.
Some of the events held by Weale’s interim executive include the Bulawayo Cup, which included teams from Masvingo and Gweru, the Lois Corbi Festival, the Under-21 Cup, the Independence Cup and the league, which is underway.