By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
WITH two days before the nominations deadline for the Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) extraordinary council meeting, only four aspiring candidates have filed in their papers to contest the November 1 elections in Kabwe.
The four, who have filed their nominations for the ZRU polls to be held at Green Eagles Rugby Club, include former union president, Clement Sinkamba.
The ZRU council will be choosing new office bearers following the recent resignation of union president Martin Musunka, vice president Owen Mhango and two committee members Moono Muleya and Sam Simwanda.
ZRU head of secretariat, Kampata Banda said in an interview yesterday that Brigadier General Sinkamba, who was recently endorsed as a preferred candidate for the Zambia Rugby Referees Society (ZRRS), had submitted his nomination papers.
Banda said other aspiring candidates who filed in nominations were incumbent union general secretary Francis Chitambo, who will be defending his position and development manager Joseph Ingwe, who will contest the post of committee member.
International Rugby Board (IRB) instructor Enoch Shikabeta has also submitted nominations for the position of committee member ahead of this Saturday’s deadline.
“As of today (yesterday) only four aspiring candidates have filed in their nominations and I would to urge all those wishing to contest for various positions to ensure that they file in nominations before the deadline which is Saturday, 17:00 hours.
“The union will not accept any late submission of nominations and we will consider those who will file nominations in time,” Banda said.
ZRRS director Edward Chibulu expressed happiness with Sinkamba’s move to accept the referees’ endorsement.
Chibulu called on the affiliates to support the candidature of Sinkamba, saying he was highly qualified to bring into the union the much need corporate support.
“As the rugby referees, we are delighted that General Sinkamba has accepted our endorsement and we would like everyone to support him,” Chibulu said.
Business executive, Ackim Mwale is yet to file in his nomination for position of president alongside interim president John Chubuye, who is eyeing the vice presidency.