Three senior officials from the Zimbabwe Rugby Union are scheduled to appear before a disciplinary hearing Friday following a series of allegations involving financial mismanagement, abuse of office and governance failures.
Suspended ZRU President Losson Mtongwiza , Zimbabwe Women’s Rugby Chairperson Regina Mwanandiwa, and Chief Executive Officer Sifiso Made are facing scrutiny after an internal investigation revealed what the union’s Governance and Ethics Committee described as “a systemic breakdown in accountability and transparency.”
The committee’s report alleges that Mtongwiza verbally abused members of the national women’s team over unpaid match fees and made decisions without consulting the National Executive Board, including interviews and press releases that misrepresented the union’s position. The board reportedly learned of these actions through social media.
Made is accused of signing a lease agreement with the FBC-Old Hararians Association without board approval and transferring more than $60,000 in World Rugby grant funds for the 2025 Barthes Trophy without documentation or consent. Payments to Wise Owl High School for accommodation—totaling $15,000 and ZWL 517,400—were made without receipts or competitive quotations. Another $55,000 in cash was allegedly paid to an individual for accommodation, with no supporting records.
Mwanandiwa faces allegations of verbally abusing players, threatening to withhold allowances and allowing the women’s team to travel internationally without financial support. The committee cited a lack of child protection policies and failure to submit financial statements following the Ivory Coast tour.
The disciplinary hearing is expected to address the officials’ conduct and determine possible sanctions. The committee has recommended suspensions, a forensic audit of union finances and the implementation of stronger governance frameworks.
ZRU officials have not publicly responded to the allegations.
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