Zim Rugby Union misused $50,000 meant for players, memo claims – ZimEye

Harare, Zimbabwe – July 16, 2024

By a Correspondent | ZimEye | A shocking memorandum addressed to several high-ranking officials, including the Honourable Minister of Sports, Arts and Recreation, Emily Jesaya, and Her Excellency First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa, has revealed serious allegations of financial mismanagement and player neglect within the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU). The letter, written by Mr Gerald Maguranyanga, a concerned parent and former ZRU board member, outlines a series of disturbing incidents and calls for urgent investigation and reform.

Main allegations:

1. Misuse of funds: Mr Maguranyanga claims that $50,000, which he personally obtained for the national players of 7s Rugby, was never received by the players. The matter, he claims, was investigated by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) but the file was allegedly manipulated.
2. Unpaid bills and player neglect: The memorandum highlights a disturbing incident in Mauritius, where national player TJ Maguranyanga was left stranded with an unpaid hotel bill and expired airfare after falling ill. His father had to rush to Mauritius to support him, only to discover that the ZRU had not paid his son’s expenses, causing him great inconvenience and distress.
3. Insufficient player compensation: National players are reportedly paid as little as USD 10 per day, an amount Mr Maguranyanga describes as “peanuts” for their efforts and sacrifices. He emphasises the need for adequate financial support and insurance for players representing Zimbabwe on the international stage.
4. Lack of oversight and accountability: The ZRU is accused of operating without proper financial oversight, delaying the presentation of audited financial data and holding elections under questionable circumstances. The memorandum calls for a thorough investigation into the ZRU elective AGM held on 25 May 2024.

Recommendations:

Mr Maguranyanga makes a number of recommendations to address these issues, including:

• Instant payout of fees to players’ bank accounts to prevent abuse.
• Ensures that national teams travel with comprehensive health insurance and a local doctor.
• Establishing a medical committee within the ZRU.
• The establishment of a commission of inquiry into the state of rugby in Zimbabwe.
• Ensure good management of the 7s team and ensure that a ZRU Board member accompanies the national team to monitor and report on events.

Conclusion:

The memorandum highlights the sorry state of rugby governance in Zimbabwe and calls for immediate intervention by the Honourable Minister and other stakeholders to rectify the situation. Mr Maguranyanga’s detailed account of the mismanagement and neglect faced by national players raises serious concerns for the future of the sport in the country.

The Zimbabwe Rugby Union and the Sports and Recreation Commission have yet to respond to these allegations. The public and the rugby community await their statements and hope for swift action to address these critical issues.

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