Former Zim rugby boss helps Malawi

FORMER Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) chief executive Blessing Chiutare has surfaced in Malawi where he is playing a pivotal role in setting up formal rugby structures.

Chiutare was fired by the current ZRU board in 2017 on the basis that he was not qualified for the job.

However, Guru as Chiutare is affectionately known, is playing an instrumental role in improving the standards of rugby administration in Malawi during his sabbatical from Zimbabwean rugby

“I am in Malawi on a sabbatical, but I was contacted by Botswana-based rugby instructor Zee so that we start helping Malawi by setting up proper structures for their rugby.

“So I sat with their vice-president Justin Kandawire and initially we were working on a tournament that would have taken place had it not been for the COVID-19 lockdown. It was an Under-18 tourney that was eventually cancelled.

“So in talking, I realised that they do not have a properly formalised system. The Malawi Rugby Union is not properly set up. Right now they have an interim committee, so I started helping and consulting them in setting up structures. They have no formal league structure as well.

“They play sevens, they have no fifteens and just before COVID-19 pandemic they were winding up their sevens season. In schools, they have rugby, but there are no competitions or leagues. They only play friendly matches, but we talked about it as it is key to their development.

“Those are some of the things we talked about in setting up structures for them. So far I have done a document for them on the benefits of world rugby which they are not yet a part of. They are affiliated to Rugby Afrik, so for me it is a sabbatical, but I am helping get the Malawians up and running with proper structures,” he said.

Chiutare revealed his intentions of bouncing back to the Zimbabwean rugby, having completed his sports management diploma last year.

He said: “Definitely, I am not down and out. You will be seeing me very soon, but on a role that I don’t know yet.

“I completed my sporting management diploma with the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee in June last year, but I decided to take a break from active sport. I am certain that I will be back.

“I have been supporting Harare Sports Club and Pitbulls from behind the scenes. I am still committed to Zimbabwean rugby.”