The South African Rugby Union (Saru) continues to enjoy the full support of the South African government, despite serious unhappiness with its president, Brian van Rooyen, within the ranks of Parliament’s sports portfolio committee.
Saru seems to have sorted out its problems with Minister of Sport and Recreation Makhenkesi Stofile, but has not yet gained the unconditional support of the portfolio committee, whose chairperson — Butana Khompela — launched a scathing attack on rugby boss Van Rooyen on Wednesday.
Following the ”crisis” meeting between Saru and the sports minister in Cape Town on Wednesday morning, both parties emerged confident they could continue to work together for the betterment of the sport in South Africa.
However, Khompela was not convinced following Van Rooyen’s failure to pitch for their scheduled meeting on Tuesday, calling the rugby boss ”blatantly arrogant” in his dealings with the committee.
Khompela confirmed that Van Rooyen sent a letter to apologise for not attending the meeting the previous day. ”Although he has apologised, he failed to give a reason. He has been blatantly arrogant and I don’t believe he has handled this situation in a gentlemanly manner,” said Khompela.
The portfolio committee is made up of MP’s from various political parties, but is dominated by African National Congress representatives, and while their support of SA Rugby and the bid for the 2011 Rugby World Cup would be welcomed, it is neither necessary nor, it seems, sought by Van Rooyen.
”We are busy drafting another letter to ask him to meet with us again, possibly in about three weeks,” added Khompela, before denying that any communication — other than the letter — had occurred between the two warring parties.
Khompela also dispelled rumours that Van Rooyen’s failure to present himself to the committee would jeopardise the country’s Rugby World Cup bid.
”The bid and rugby are bigger than Brian van Rooyen. We will continue to support [the bid].
”I don’t like his attitude, but I won’t say that we want to see him ousted. Democracy will take its shape there. Others will see his shortcomings in due course.”
Meanwhile, SA Rugby spokesperson Rayaan Adriaanse said of the gathering with Stofile: ”It was a very good meeting.”
Ministerial spokesperson Bongani Majola further diluted Khompela’s outburst by adding that Saru had ”been very receptive to the advice given by the minister”.
”SA Rugby is aware of certain measurables that they need to adhere to for our support of their bid to continue. To that end, the ministry has informed them of our choice for the new South African Super 14 franchise.”
SA Rugby is currently considering two bids — one that would be based in Bloemfontein and incorporate the central unions of Free State, Griquas and Griffons, while the other would see South-Western Districts, Eastern Province and Border merge their powers.
The government has thrown its considerable weight behind the latter — rugby in that part of the country has a strong history among black players — and it remains to be seen whether the final choice will swing the government’s support further behind the bid or against it.
”This is merely an indication of our wishes and we have appealed to their leadership to make the right choice,” said Majola. ”It would be difficult to support them if they don’t support our ideas.” – Sapa