By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
ZAMBIA Rugby Union (ZRU) aspiring candidate for the position of committee member, Enoch Shikabeta has expressed confidence of winning the seat ahead of the elective annual general meeting set for February 1.
Shikabeta, who is former Zambia Rugby Coaches Association (ZRCA) secretary, is up against current committee members, Sam Silwamba of Red Arrows, John Chibuye from Chibuluma and Moono Muleya from Ndola Wanderers who are re-contesting their seats.
Only three positions are available and Shikabeta said in an interview that he has stepped up his campaigns as the date of elections draws near.
Shikabeta also placed emphasis on the need to strengthen the district rugby development offices.
He said there was need to empower the district development officers because they are the engine of rugby development in the country as they were important links between schools rugby and the ZRU.
Once ushered in office, Shikabeta said he would share his vision with other members of the executive committee to foster development of the sport in all parts of the country.
Shikabeta, who is also the International Rugby Board (IRB) educator tasked with the designing, training and implementing coaches programs, said he had enough technical and administration experience to render his services in the ZRU executive.
“My decision to run for office in the union is inspired by the vision I have for the sport of rugby, I would like to see rugby strengthened on the grassroots through the implementation of the talent identification programme.
Once elected, I would offer my expertise to and ensure that various programmes being pursued by the union effectively implemented,” he said.
He said his vision was to see rugby league introduced in colleges and universities across the country as doing so would provide a wide spectrum of choice for national teams.
Shikabeta further said he was confident of being elected despite all candidates having equal chances of winning.
The ZRU AGM will be held at the Konkola Rugby Club in Chililabombwe and will see the new office bearers ushered on a four-year-term from the previous two-year-terms following the amendment of the constitution.
