head of technical.
The physiotherapist is doubling up as the head of technical in a set-up that has faced a lot of criticism as a structure that is not in the interest of the development of the game.

Mnikwa was named as head of technical in a new structure that was appointed after former coach Nsikelelo “Sykes” Sibanda was sidelined
Abigal Govere is the coach while George “Rollo” Mukoreka is the assistant coach.
The appointments were made by the women’s rugby brands committee. The old structure had Sibanda as head coach while Govere was his assistant.

The controversial changes have sparked debate in the rugby fraternity. Questions have been raised as to how Mnikwa can be appointed the head of technical in the Pangolins when she is less experienced than Govere.
Questions have also been raised about whether she is qualified to be in that position.

Pangolins’ coach Govere is the best qualified female coach in the country, as she holds an IRB Level II certificate she attained in October 2008.
The Zimbabwe women’s rugby side is understood to have turned to Sibanda, who they would want to rope back into the technical structures.
Sources close to the Zimbabwe Rugby Union and the women‘s branding committee yesterday indicated that women’s rugby chairperson, Aisha Tsimba, held a meeting with Sibanda on Wednesday afternoon.

Both Sibanda and Tsimba refused to comment, professing ignorance on the developments with the later referring questions to the Union.
But The Herald has it on good authority that Tsimba had expressed willingness in roping in Sibanda who was dismissed without official notice.

Sibanda was sidelined from the Pangolins’ technical team following the introduction of the side’s branding committee. The need to get Sibanda back into the women’s technical structures is understood to have been raised to another level after the Pangolins fell 10-7 in the final of the Castle Sevens women’s edition in Zambia at the weekend.

However, in an e-mail that was copied to ZRU president Sitembilenkosini Sibanda and general manager Grant Mitchell, Tsimba indicated that she needed to meet the former Under-21 coach.
“Indeed you are correct in that we meet, after having been formally introduced by Sifiso Made, in the presence of the Brands’ Committee secretary – Michelle Mtomba.

“We intended to meet at a later date and also requested for your CV and advised that Abigail Govere had already sent hers to us.
“However I am not one for crying over spilt milk, and believe more in moving forward and (mending) bridges. “I am a woman of my word, and my own profession dictates this of me. It would therefore be unfortunate if you doubt the sincerity of my words to you, as I assure you that I meant them.

“I, however, cannot force you to take a particular position, and would greatly encourage you to test the (sincerity) of my statements,” read part of Tsimba’s letter to Sibanda.
And on Wednesday they met where Tsimba is believed to have indicated that Sibanda would take over from Mnikwa.

The Sports Club women’s coach was in charge of the Pangolins, where he built a strong side, with Govere working as his assistant.
Zimbabwe beat Zambia in the Castle Sevens first round games at the weekend in Lusaka but collapsed when it mattered most.

Having beaten Zambia under the guidance of Sibanda to lift the BancABC Cup at Harare Sports Club, hopes were high that they would bring the Castle Sevens trophy home. Sibanda was focussing on building a side for the World Cup qualifiers but he was unfortunate to fall by the way ide with Tsimba insisting that he was supposed to have submitted his CV.

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey