Rugby Africa President Congratulates Zimbabwe’s Mtongwiza for Award and Successful Year

Rugby Africa President Issues Letter of Congratulations to Zimbabwe Rugby Union President for Award and Successful Year:

It gives me immense pleasure to congratulate Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) President Losson Mtongwiza on being named runner-up in the 2024 Administrator of the Year category at the prestigious Annual National Sports Awards (ANSA), one of the continent’s oldest sporting galas. 

While I admire Losson’s visionary leadership for Zimbabwean rugby, I also applaud the impressive short-term gains under his administration. Elected in May 2024, Losson swiftly assembled a formidable national side that stormed to victory at the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda, securing the Sables’ second continental title since 2000. This milestone came within the first six months of Losson’s tenure as President of Zimbabwe Rugby Union. Equally impressive was his ability to unite the team’s talent by creating strong ties with sponsors and stakeholders across Zimbabwean rugby. Unsurprisingly in those few months, the Zimbabwe men’s rugby team – the Sables – was named Team of the Year at the ANSA Awards, ahead of some of the country’s other outstanding national sides in different codes. For ZRU President Mtongwiza, I truly hope that these goals are stepping stones that lead to bigger achievements for rugby in Zimbabwe. 

This achievement by Losson and his team comes at a special time for Zimbabwe, as the country celebrates one of its greatest sports heroes, Kirsty Coventry being elected the first African and first female President to lead the International Olympic Committee (IOC). As Rugby Africa President, I’ve seen Kirsty’s strong support for rugby in Zimbabwe. While her departure as Sports Minister marks a change, it is by no means a loss to Zimbabwe Rugby, I congratulate the new minister, General Anselem Sanyatwe on his appointment. I look forward to working with him and Losson to further unlock Zimbabwe’s high potential as a rugby-playing nation. 

Lastly, I want to express my appreciation to Losson for safeguarding rugby’s prosperity in his home nation and across the African continent. His collaboration with Rugby Africa and dedication to his people reflect both humility and strong leadership.

Herbert Mensah, 

President, Rugby Africa

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