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Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
IN the wake of poor results — both on and off the field — the Zimbabwe Rugby Union have started restructuring and yesterday commercial consultant Hugo Ribatika was fired for “not adding any value” to the union.

Recently Young Sables coach Brandon Brider was also axed for poor results and more changes are expected both in the Zimbabwe schools junior sides and the administrative structures.

“As the ZRU we have the commercial arm, administrative structures, financial protocols and national teams but all of these areas, we believe, are not giving us results and value,” the ZRU said in a statement.

“The first step in correcting this anomaly was to part ways with our Commercial Consultant (Hugo Ribatika) with immediate effect.

“It is our belief that we were not gleaning any value from this department and there was need to restructure and bring on board people that will bring value to the game.”

More changes are also expected in the ZRU where the board is particularly not happy with national team results at all levels, including the Under-18 and Under-13 sides, which have been under-performing at international level.

“The only success stories are coming from the boys’ Under-17 and the girls’ Under-18 teams, who I must say have been a revelation for Zimbabwe rugby,” said ZRU vice-president Noddy Kanyangarara in a statement.

“The girls have defied all odds to bring back results at the two Youth Tournaments they have been over the last two years.

“The Under-20s have not performed well in the past and that has forced us to restructure their technical team.” However, the biggest concern of the ZRU is the Sables brand.

Kanyangarara believes the Sables have not been getting the attention and respect they need and feels there is need for them to invest in the flagship side if the local game is to do well.

“There is need for everyone to put shoulder to wheel and reposition the Sables and elevate the brand that has not been given its space in the past.

“Without a successful senior national team, all the players that are coming through the ranks will not respect the team and have nothing to aspire to and we should build trust between the Sables and the ZRU.”

Following embarrassing losses to Kenya and Uganda in the Africa Cup over the last two weeks, Kanyangarara feels there is need for the Sables to be supported and knows the players had lost faith in the administrative body.

“The Sables, our flagship team has not performed well in the past and the recent defeat(s) to Kenya (and Uganda) do not sit well with us. As a Board we accepted that the Sables needed closer attention and given the respect that they need.

“The national teams and Sables in particular are our biggest assets that need to be looked after well. The results have not been coming our way especially in the past two to three years and that decline has to stop at some point,” added Kanyangarara.

While the former boards led by recent past president John Falkenberg, Themba Sibanda, Bruce Hobson and Bryn Williams have struggled, and even failed to publish audited accounts, Kanyangarara says they are dedicated to bring about change and financial discipline if they are to get more partners.

“We needed to closely monitor all issues to do with finance through auditing our books by reputable companies.

“Should we not be satisfied or should any board member not be satisfied with the outcome of any audit, we have an obligation to seek a second opinion from other firms.

“We believe that as a board, it is our responsibility to protect the interests and investments into the game by our partners and make sure that they get value from partnering the Zimbabwe Rugby Union.”