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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE Sport and Recreation Commission have been forced to re-advertise the post of director-general after the candidates they had shortlisted for the position failed to meet the supreme sports body’s expectations.

There has been no substantive director-general at the Sports Commission since Charles Nhemachena’s retirement in May last year. Nhemachena had served the Commission for 10 years.

The Commission advertised for the post in April and subsequently held interviews.

It, however, emerged that none of the prospective candidates, including acting director-general Joseph Muchechetere, had been shortlisted for the position, forcing the Commission’s board to re- advertise the position.

In the first process there were 21 applicants and seven candidates were shortlisted. Sports Commission board chairman Edward Siwela confirmed yesterday that none of the shortlisted candidates was successful and they have had to start the process all over again.

“The issue of director-general remains unresolved. You will be aware, of course, that we interviewed a number of people. We flighted an advert, people responded and we interviewed people.

“But I must say that the people who were interviewed were not successfu l…all of them, so we will be starting the process all over again,” said Siwela. Although he could not give a specific time frame, Siwela said they are hoping to start the process soon.

“Anytime soon, anytime, it could be next week,” said Siwela.

In the advert they flighted in The Herald in April, the Sports Commission indicated that they were looking for “a person with a first degree or equivalent in Business Administration or other relevant qualifications’’.

The candidate was supposed to possess a relevant postgraduate business/public or Sports Administration degree. And to have at least five years’ experience at senior management level. Some of the main responsibilities for the director general, who will report to the board which is chaired by Siwela include:

“Providing overall leadership to the day-to-day operations of the Commission. Developing the Commission’s strategic and business plans, obtaining board approval and leading strategy execution in order to achieve the Commission’s strategic goals.