THE National Rugby League (NRL) has called on the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) to stop interfering in their business as this caused them a number of inconveniences during the last season.
THANDIWE MOYO SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
NRL president Nody Kanyangara said in the coming season they were hoping that ZRU would not interfere with the league.
“We are hoping to secure sponsorship next season and resume playing,” he said.
“However, the motherbody (ZRU) should stop interfering so that the league runs smoothly.”
Kanyangarara said the ZRU’s interference was partly the reason why they had lost the Delta Beverages sponsorship although he would not delve much into it.
NRL was sponsored by Delta Beverages through their Lion Lager brand, but the company pulled out at the end of last year due to, according to sources, mismanagement of funds.
“They should not get involved in the NRL business,” Kanyangarara said.
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“That is partly the reason why we lost the sponsorship in the first place. They should let us run the league.”
This year the season ended prematurely owing to financial problems which saw them failing to transport teams for league matches. The nine-team league failed to secure sponsorship during the season with Kanyangarara saying there were prospects of financial backing for 2015.
“We have been talking to a number of corporates and we are waiting for feedback from them,” he said. “There are prospects that we could have a new sponsor. We will only know when the season starts once we have finalised everything with the companies. We are also in talks to introduce a new tournament.”
The league had to be stopped midway as teams were failing to raise funds to travel for games and the NRL, who were meant to fund their trips, was also broke.
Old Hararians, Old Georgians, Harare Sports Club, Matabeleland Busters, Old Miltonians, Western Panthers, Gweru Sports Club, Zvishavane Bulls and Mutare Sports Club are the teams that made up the league.
