After more than six years at the helm, Benjamin Akami Makombe has announced his resignation as president of league side Buffalo Rugby Club. The former national team, Silverbacks, player stepped down with immediate effect on Wednesday. He first announced his resignation in April 2016, but shortly reversed his decision. In a resignation letter addressed to the local rugby federation (RRF), of which this publication has a copy, Makombe said that, “Due to other work-related responsibilities, I will be stepping down effective immediately.” Makombe’s resignation marked another tumultuous chapter at the Buffaloes that have seen a raft of players and coaches depart the club. Saturday Sportalso understands that a number of key players are on the exit door following the resignation of the president. The players include; Jean Paul Hajali and Patrick Bishenga. Some of the club officials and players who spoke to Saturday Sport on condition of anonymity, celebrated the resignation of their former boss. “For all these years, he was nothing but a setback to the club. Buffaloes were champions and the strongest team in local rugby, but that gradually changed because of his poor leadership. He took all decisions in his own hands,” said one club official. Another player added that, “This is the second time he has resigned, let us hope this time he is going for good. We are now looking forward to rebuilding our club.” Repeated efforts to reach him on his known telephone line for comment were all futile as he could not answer any of our calls. Last September, the Buffaloes failed to reach the final of the national rugby league, whose title they have lifted a record seven times. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
