NPR

Gelant taking his game to the next level

https://www.news24.com/sport/rugby/supe ... n-20200814

https://rugby365.com/opinion/second-pha ... -wp-rugby/

The infamous contretemps in rugby circles in the Western Cape is redoubtable for its fractionalizing effect.

The affrays sometimes make the South African parliament look like a Sunday school picnic.

However, the most recent ebullitions raised some interesting questions – mainly whether there is an ongoing power struggle in the Western Province Rugby Football Union boardroom, or whether it is, in fact, a political tug-of-war.

For context, it is worth a brief revisit of the storyline of the financial struggles of the past two years.

Since Zelt Marais became the WPRFU President in November 2018, there has been as many plots and sub-plots as the most notorious soap opera.

Not all of his own doing, but certainly with the President at centre stage.

First Remgro was in, then out. Next Investec was the saviour and then the villain. Flyt/DreamWorld next took up the baton in the Newlands redevelopment race, with MVM Holdings set to run the final leg in regaining some lost lustre for this lumbering giant.

On the fringes of all these melodramatic developments are the power plays.

In the last week alone there were two threads – one that suggested the union (WPRFU) was ready to ‘sell’ a controlling share (of 51 percent) of the company, WP Rugby, to MVM Holdings and another that suggested the Marais camp is NOT willing to cede power to the Yanks because the US$6-million (just over ZAR100-million) is actually a loan and not an investment.

Now add in the scuttlebutt that there is an attempt to transform the union and company – with the most baroque whispers suggesting it is an attempt to rid the Cape Town outfit of all ‘white’ officials.

Then there is the rumblings that at the heart of the horse-trading between WPRFU and MVM Holdings (a company fronted by Durban-born lawyer Marco Masotti) is the clause of who will wield the big stick in key issues – such as appointing coaches and recruiting players.

Another big hurdle is getting the clubs – owners of all the WPRFU assets and currently 100 percent shareholders of WP Rugby (the company) – to cede power to a foreign entity.

For good measure, there are rumblings that the sponsors and players are also piling on the pressure on the union for a ‘settlement’ with the Yanks.

However, if it is a ‘loan’ and not an ‘investment’ – as one dispatch suggested this week – why would WPRFU (or the clubs) give a controlling share to the Yanks, as a rival report claimed.

As it stands, the company (WP Rugby) is indebted to WPRFU – the sole shareholder of the company and the owner of all the assets, read property portfolio. That debt, more than ZAR70-million, is the result of advances by WPRFU to keep the company solvent.

Are you confused yet?

I’m sure the developments, statements and rumours in the next few weeks will succeed in baffling your brains.

REACTION: The appointment of Ebrahim Rasool as the new Chairman of Western Province Rugby Football Union will ‘usher in an exciting era for WP’ says Zelts Marais.

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As reported by @rugby365com, Rasool has been appointed the new Chairman of the board of WP Professional Rugby (Pty) Ltd – the professional arm of the WPRFU following a Board Meeting on Friday, September 4.

Rasool has previously held several high-profile political positions – including being the South African Ambassador to the United States and a member of the national assembly.

Marais, president of the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU), conveyed the unanimous decision of the Union – the shareholder – to the Board of Directors, and Rasool will commence his duties with immediate effect.

He replaced Johan van der Merwe as Chairman of the board.

“I want to personally thank Johan van der Merwe for leading the Board through challenging times with aplomb, the commitment and dedication he brought to the job and, especially his leadership through this unprecedented crisis brought on by COVID-19. We look forward to continuing the work where he left off,” he said.

Marais said that Rasool brings with him a wealth of experience, from his credentials in the struggle for justice, his exposure to various portfolios in government, his diplomatic experience in the USA, his academic expertise and his business acumen.

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“We are looking forward to harnessing the experience and networks of Ambassador Rasool to the benefit of WP Rugby, and we are confident his appointment will help usher in an exciting era for WP Rugby. He is a rugby man through and through,” he said.

*Article continues below…

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Rasool, in turn, spoke about his deep roots in non-racial rugby, his commitment to unity with transformation, and his love of WP Rugby.

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“It is a deep honour and an exceptional challenge to accept this post. The Western Cape is undoubtedly the cradle of rugby in South Africa, and we must nurture rugby from grassroots – the clubs and the schools – to the professional – the Stormers and our Springboks.

“But we must honour the whole history of rugby, from the very celebrated to those written out of rugby history.

“We can only thrive if we deliver value to ALL who are involved in the game, from investors and sponsors to the players and the very loyal rugby public or the region. I look forward to working closely with president Zelt Marais to ensure the sustainability and excellence of rugby in this region,” he said.

The Cape Crusader Mafia works in mysterious ways.

I was wondering if SARU decides to pull out of the SH and move Norf. Who would those Cape Crusaders support then?

Netwerk24 reported on Wednesday that Raymond van Niekerk has resigned as an independent director of Western Province Professional Rugby Proprietary Limited.

Zelt Marais, President of the Western Province Rugby Union, was not immediately available for his reaction.

WPPR, the professional arm of the WPRFU, is controlled by a board of 11 directors.

It consisted of four independent directors; five directors that also sit on the executive committee of the union [WPRU]; and two directors nominated by the sponsors.

Three of four the independent directors have now departed – one resigned and two were shown the door.

The exodus started back in June when Kevin Kiewitz walked away from the union in protest over their handling of negotiations with Investec – a deal which has since been shelved and a loan of more than ZAR50-million paid back.

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Last month two independent directors of the board, Johan van der Merwe and Andre van der Veen, were told their services were no longer required.

This week Van Niekerk handed in his resignation and in an interview with Netwerk24 said: “Enough is enough.”

Van Niekerk, a former marketing executive of Investec, is upset about the culling of board members and the loss of business acumen in the professional arm of the union.

Van der Merwe was replaced as Chairman of the board of WPPR (Pty) Ltd by political firebrand Ebrahim Rasool.

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It is a move that caused great concern in the club ranks and also caused a stir among the player corps.

WPRFU is the sole shareholder of WPPR.

* We have asked Marais for reaction and will bring that as soon as it is available.

What is going on?

It boggles the mind that the biggest and best union in SA with the history, the tradition and the pedigree is run so poorly. Big ups to the players and coaches to rise above it.

handyman wrote: Wed Sep 09, 2020 11:50 am It boggles the mind that the biggest and best union in SA with the history, the tradition and the pedigree is run so poorly. Big ups to the players and coaches to rise above it.

It shouldn't boggle anyone's mind really though should it?

I mean it's South Africa after all.......

TIA.......

Green light echo wrote: Wed Sep 09, 2020 12:29 pm

handyman wrote: Wed Sep 09, 2020 11:50 am It boggles the mind that the biggest and best union in SA with the history, the tradition and the pedigree is run so poorly. Big ups to the players and coaches to rise above it.

It shouldn't boggle anyone's mind really though should it?

I mean it's South Africa after all.......

TIA.......

I'm looking forward to you upping your game

handyman wrote: Wed Sep 09, 2020 12:36 pm

Green light echo wrote: Wed Sep 09, 2020 12:29 pm

handyman wrote: Wed Sep 09, 2020 11:50 am It boggles the mind that the biggest and best union in SA with the history, the tradition and the pedigree is run so poorly. Big ups to the players and coaches to rise above it.

It shouldn't boggle anyone's mind really though should it?

I mean it's South Africa after all.......

TIA.......

I'm looking forward to you upping your game

Mate we have nearly finished our comp. You on the other hand have had no games and are still in pre season.

You are the one who has to up his game I would have thought

Stormers two teams playing today for Corvid Cup.

PSdT stil out injured.

. STORMERS STAR REMAINS ON THE SIDELINES
Jan de KoningJAN DE KONINGR365 EDITOR CONTACT JAN
INJURY UPDATE: The Stormers will start their campaign in South Africa’s revamped domestic competition without one of their biggest stars.

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Stormers coach John Dobson told a virtual media briefing on Thursday that World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit will remain sidelined for the foreseeable future.

Du Toit, 28, is continuing his rehabilitation from an injury that nearly resulted in his leg being amputated.

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He suffered the injury during the Stormers’ loss to the Blues in February – before COVID-19 brought a premature halt to rugby.

The haematoma quickly developed into acute compartment syndrome and required emergency surgery.

While Dobson hopes Du Toit will miss only the first few rounds of the competitions, scheduled to kick off on October 10, there is no guarantee.

“Pieter-Steph is not ready yet and the truth is that we are not sure when he will be ready,” the coach told the media briefing.

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He said it was initially expected to be a six-month lay-off for the burly loose forward.

However, his rehabilitation has progressed slower than expected.

“The nerve in the muscle is damaged, which protects the knee.

“The muscle around that nerve is not growing back fast enough.

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“We are on a three- to four-week cycle now sand it is showing signs of growth, though.

“Our hope is that he only misses the first two games.

“He is not going to make the start [of the domestic tournament], but he is training full out.

“It is not panic stations. He won’t be ready for the SuperFan day [at Loftus Versfeld on September 26] and our first two games [in October].

“It is certainly going to be towards the back-end of October, at best.”

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Dobson admitted that injuries is his biggest concern for when rugby gets underway later this month.

“It is probably not since school that the players have gone six or seven months [without a game] like this,” he said.

“As a coaching group, our major fear is injury.

“We have seen the stats from the other competitions. The players are really keen to play mentally, but at the same time, we are really worried about injuries.

“We have pushed the players as far as we could over the last few weeks to try and get as close as we could within the regulations.”

That makes for very worrying reading. FFS don't rush him for the sake of the Currie Cup, let's make sure he's ready for 2021.

assfly wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 6:11 am That makes for very worrying reading. FFS don't rush him for the sake of the Currie Cup, let's make sure he's ready for 2021.

The Stormers /WP will play him, even if he is on crutches. Look at how they overplayed him at the start of the year

PSDT will be back sooner rather than later. They make them tough in the Swartland.

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 7:27 am

assfly wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 6:11 am That makes for very worrying reading. FFS don't rush him for the sake of the Currie Cup, let's make sure he's ready for 2021.

The Stormers /WP will play him, even if he is on crutches. Look at how they overplayed him at the start of the year

What a stupid post. He, ll go straight into Nienabers squad.

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 7:54 am

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 7:27 am

assfly wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 6:11 am That makes for very worrying reading. FFS don't rush him for the sake of the Currie Cup, let's make sure he's ready for 2021.

The Stormers /WP will play him, even if he is on crutches. Look at how they overplayed him at the start of the year

What a stupid post. He, ll go straight into Nienabers squad.

Hoe lyk dit in Struisbaai vandag?

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 7:54 am

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 7:27 am

assfly wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 6:11 am That makes for very worrying reading. FFS don't rush him for the sake of the Currie Cup, let's make sure he's ready for 2021.

The Stormers /WP will play him, even if he is on crutches. Look at how they overplayed him at the start of the year

What a stupid post. He, ll go straight into Nienabers squad.

Wrong login AC

Now that WP is run by the ANC, does this mean the players will have to use government hospitals?

assfly wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:14 am Now that WP is run by the ANC, does this mean the players will have to use government hospitals?

What, like ministers and municipal managers?

At least we know that air travel will be sorted.

‘tsek wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:19 am At least we know that air travel will be sorted.

Yes, much easier to fly to Waterkloof Airbase when they have to play the Bulls.

assfly wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:20 am

‘tsek wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:19 am At least we know that air travel will be sorted.

Yes, much easier to fly to Waterkloof Airbase when they have to play the Bulls.

On a private chartered plane

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:24 am

assfly wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:20 am

‘tsek wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:19 am At least we know that air travel will be sorted.

Yes, much easier to fly to Waterkloof Airbase when they have to play the Bulls.

On a private chartered plane

Yes, SANDF, chartered by me, the tax payer. Also helpful when they play Zim in the 2022 Africa Nations Challenge.

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:24 am

assfly wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:20 am

‘tsek wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:19 am At least we know that air travel will be sorted.

Yes, much easier to fly to Waterkloof Airbase when they have to play the Bulls.

On a private chartered plane

Cheetahs is central, will travel by ossewa.

handyman wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 7:57 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 7:54 am

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 7:27 am

The Stormers /WP will play him, even if he is on crutches. Look at how they overplayed him at the start of the year

What a stupid post. He, ll go straight into Nienabers squad.

Hoe lyk dit in Struisbaai vandag?

Lekker, kom jy die naweek?

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:28 am

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:24 am

assfly wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:20 am

Yes, much easier to fly to Waterkloof Airbase when they have to play the Bulls.

On a private chartered plane

Cheetahs is central, will travel by ossewa.

Wat deur osse getrek is. Nie soos julle met julle corrupt politician nie.

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:34 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:28 am

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:24 am

On a private chartered plane

Cheetahs is central, will travel by ossewa.

Wat deur osse getrek is. Nie soos julle met julle corrupt politician nie.

Was Oom Ace nie Vrystaat premier nie?

‘tsek wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:37 am

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:34 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:28 am

Cheetahs is central, will travel by ossewa.

Wat deur osse getrek is. Nie soos julle met julle corrupt politician nie.

Was Oom Ace nie Vrystaat premier nie?

Nie meer nie.
Die Stomps het no Bra Ebrahim.
No more bacon for breakfast for them.

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:29 am

handyman wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 7:57 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 7:54 am

What a stupid post. He, ll go straight into Nienabers squad.

Hoe lyk dit in Struisbaai vandag?

Lekker, kom jy die naweek?

Iewers die jaar moet ek plan maak.

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:44 am

‘tsek wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:37 am

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:34 am
Wat deur osse getrek is. Nie soos julle met julle corrupt politician nie.

Was Oom Ace nie Vrystaat premier nie?

Nie meer nie.
Die Stomps het no Bra Ebrahim.
No more bacon for breakfast for them.

Dan is papsak seker ook uit.

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:34 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:28 am

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:24 am

On a private chartered plane

Cheetahs is central, will travel by ossewa.

Wat deur osse getrek is. Nie soos julle met julle corrupt politician nie.

Van wanneer af is die DA corrupt soos die ANC in jou provinsies?

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 10:01 am

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:34 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:28 am

Cheetahs is central, will travel by ossewa.

Wat deur osse getrek is. Nie soos julle met julle corrupt politician nie.

Van wanneer af is die DA corrupt soos die ANC in jou provinsies?

Was WP se nuwe voorsitter dan n DA lid?

Sjoe, ma jealousy maak julle manne nasty.

‘tsek wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 10:47 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 10:01 am

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 8:34 am
Wat deur osse getrek is. Nie soos julle met julle corrupt politician nie.

Van wanneer af is die DA corrupt soos die ANC in jou provinsies?

Was WP se nuwe voorsitter dan n DA lid?

Kyk na jou post bold. Jy veralgemeen sommer nou, waar was ons voorsitter korrup? Bring die links, jou provinsie word deur korrup politicians regeer nou is almal skielik korrup.

Die Wes Kaap is by verre SA se bes bestuurde provinsie. Alaml wil hier woon, selfs die kak Sharks supporters bly hier.

handyman wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:26 am Sjoe, ma jealousy maak julle manne nasty.

Jy weet dan, tyd dat die rugby begin.

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:51 am

‘tsek wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 10:47 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 10:01 am
Van wanneer af is die DA corrupt soos die ANC in jou provinsies?

Was WP se nuwe voorsitter dan n DA lid?

Kyk na jou post bold. Jy veralgemeen sommer nou, waar was ons voorsitter korrup? Bring die links, jou provinsie word deur korrup politicians regeer nou is almal skielik korrup.

Die Wes Kaap is by verre SA se bes bestuurde provinsie. Alaml wil hier woon, selfs die kak Sharks supporters bly hier.

Gaan haal jou hoorstuk. Ons praat van rugby unies nie provisies nie.

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:52 am

handyman wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:26 am Sjoe, ma jealousy maak julle manne nasty.

Jy weet dan, tyd dat die rugby begin.

Ja nee kyk, ons moet die kaf nou skei van die koring. Ek glo dat die Stormers en die Bulls die jaar die vorm SA spanne gaan wees.

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:51 am

‘tsek wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 10:47 am

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 10:01 am
Van wanneer af is die DA corrupt soos die ANC in jou provinsies?

Was WP se nuwe voorsitter dan n DA lid?

Kyk na jou post bold. Jy veralgemeen sommer nou, waar was ons voorsitter korrup? Bring die links, jou provinsie word deur korrup politicians regeer nou is almal skielik korrup.

Die Wes Kaap is by verre SA se bes bestuurde provinsie. Alaml wil hier woon, selfs die kak Sharks supporters bly hier.

‘Skies oom, kommentaar gemis, moes gou bietjie werk, ekonomie hier van hoofkantoor af aan die gang probeer hou terwyl julle daar onder bietjie ontspan met n kaas-en-wellington-chutney toebroodjie oor middagete.

Terloops, hoe lyk die eiendomsmark daar in Struisbaai? Vra namens n vriend.

‘tsek wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 12:17 pm

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:51 am

‘tsek wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 10:47 am

Was WP se nuwe voorsitter dan n DA lid?

Kyk na jou post bold. Jy veralgemeen sommer nou, waar was ons voorsitter korrup? Bring die links, jou provinsie word deur korrup politicians regeer nou is almal skielik korrup.

Die Wes Kaap is by verre SA se bes bestuurde provinsie. Alaml wil hier woon, selfs die kak Sharks supporters bly hier.

‘Skies oom, kommentaar gemis, moes gou bietjie werk, ekonomie hier van hoofkantoor af aan die gang probeer hou terwyl julle daar onder bietjie ontspan met n kaas-en-wellington-chutney toebroodjie oor middagete.

Terloops, hoe lyk die eiendomsmark daar in Struisbaai? Vra namens n vriend.

Watter span ondersteun jy? Ons soek nie die verkeerde soort mense in die Wes Kaap nie.

handyman wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 12:00 pm

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:52 am

handyman wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:26 am Sjoe, ma jealousy maak julle manne nasty.

Jy weet dan, tyd dat die rugby begin.

Ja nee kyk, ons moet die kaf nou skei van die koring. Ek glo dat die Stormers en die Bulls die jaar die vorm SA spanne gaan wees.

Aren't they always?

Chilli wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 12:20 pm

handyman wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 12:00 pm

OomStruisbaai wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:52 am

Jy weet dan, tyd dat die rugby begin.

Ja nee kyk, ons moet die kaf nou skei van die koring. Ek glo dat die Stormers en die Bulls die jaar die vorm SA spanne gaan wees.

Aren't they always?

Sometimes the Bulls are kak