Chaos at SRC Offices as Zimbabwe Rugby Fans Protest Against ZRU Leadership

Disgruntled supporters of the Zimbabwe national rugby teams stormed the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) offices on Tuesday, disrupting a high-level meeting between government officials and the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) board, led by under-fire president Losson Mtongwiza.

According to a widely circulated video on social media, tensions reached boiling point at the National Sports Stadium when furious fans forced their way into the meeting room, chanting and singing in protest. Their frustrations were aimed squarely at the ZRU leadership, which has been rocked by allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and abuse of power.

The dramatic incident unfolded barely 20 minutes into the scheduled meeting, which had been called by the SRC to address a series of serious allegations against the ZRU. The protestors, numbering several dozen, demanded immediate action and accountability, particularly in light of recent revelations that have cast a dark shadow over the sport in Zimbabwe.

At the centre of the controversy is an explosive audio recording leaked online, in which Mtongwiza can be heard scolding members of the national women’s team, the Lady Sables, over unpaid match fees. In the audio, Mtongwiza dismisses the players’ expectations of payment, declaring:

“If you are here to be paid, don’t come again! We’re not here to pay people. If we don’t have money, we don’t owe you anything!”

The recording also features threats directed at players who might speak out publicly about their treatment:

“If you post anything, write to your friends or go to social media… we will ban you for life. Not for a year. Not two months—LIFE!”

These revelations have triggered widespread outrage among players, fans, and stakeholders in Zimbabwean rugby. The situation was further inflamed by reports that players were forced to pay US$35 out of pocket for official green blazers while receiving only minimal financial support from the ZRU.

In a possible effort to address mounting pressure, the SRC summoned the ZRU board last weekend to explain the allegations. However, Tuesday’s meeting failed to proceed as planned due to the fan-led disruption. Witnesses say SRC Director General Eltah Nengomasha and ZRU president Mtongwiza had to be escorted out through a back exit by security officers to avoid further escalation.

Despite the high public interest and growing media coverage, the SRC has yet to release an official statement regarding either the protest or the status of the investigation into ZRU’s leadership.

The chaotic scenes reflect the growing dissatisfaction with the administration of rugby in Zimbabwe, particularly under Mtongwiza’s tenure. For many fans and players, Tuesday’s protest was not just about one incident—but about years of neglect, lack of transparency, and poor governance in one of the country’s most beloved sports.

As pressure mounts, all eyes now turn to the SRC’s next move—and whether it will finally take decisive action to restore integrity and accountability within Zimbabwe rugby.