By FELIX MALUNGA –

WITH just three days before elections, Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) presidential hopeful, Ackim Mwale has promised to overhaul the operating system of the union if ushered into office with emphasis on restructuring the secretariat.
Mwale said being the operating machinery of ZRU, the secretariat needed to be professionally structured for it to discharge its functions efficiently and diligently.
In a Press release in Lusaka yesterday, Mwale said once elected as ZRU president, his initial thrust would be to ensure there was a proper operation structure with clearly defined roles of personnel at the secretariat.
The ZRU secretariat staff under Mwale’s reign will be given job descriptions and expected to meet the performance targets.
Equally ZRU executive committee members, he said, would have their own targets which would be made known to the Sports Council of Zambia (SCZ) and the world rugby governing body, the International Rugby Board (IRB).
Mwale, who will battle for the presidency against Clement Sinkamba in Kabwe at the weekend, also promised to use the ZRU constitution as a strict guiding principle in running the affairs of the union.
“I need to stress here that the incoming executive committee under my leadership will use the ZRU constitution as a strict guiding principle in running the affairs of the union. There will be no compromise on flouting laid down guidelines, rules and procedures. All existing structures will be revisited with a view to make them more effective in achieving set goals and objectives,” he said.
Mwale, who is Investrust Bank Zambia head of media and public relations, charged that it was important to have a well spelt out structure as that would be used to receive and manage funding from sponsors, affiliation fees and IRB grants.
He promised to complete an overhaul of the ZRU operating system within the first 30 days in office and that he would involve all stakeholders like past presidents, club heads, coaches and referees in the whole process.
Mwale is facing a stiff challenge during the extra-ordinary council meeting from former ZRU president Brigadier General Sinkamba for the top post vacated by Martin Musunka.
On his part, Sinkamba promised to raise the standards of rugby in Zambia using his experience and exposure with creation of a solid financial base being his first priority.
Sinkamba pledged to come up with a five-year strategic plan to reinforce the union’s internal structures and ensure an efficient and professional management of rugby.
He also promised transparency and accountability in his leadership, making the union more attractive to sponsors.