Stofile a huge loss to Border
Late former BRFU head credited for taking union to greater heights
HUNDREDS of people gathered at the University of Fort Hare sport complex in Alice yesterday at a memorial service for the late former South African Rugby Union deputy president Mike Stofile.
Scores of people clad in Border Rugby Football Union (BRFU) and Saru blazers and others wearing ANC regalia came to pay tribute to the well-known sports administrator and ANC underground activist.
Stofile grew up in the ranks of local rugby by leading both his local rugby club, the Red Lions, before leading Victoria East Rugby Union and later BRFU.
BRFU administrator Bongo Nontshinga, who served under the body’s John Ncinane and William Caga before leading it as president, said Stofile was credited with bringing the East London-based union to greater heights.
However, Nontshinga admitted yesterday that the union was now a shadow of its former self and said “may Mike’s spirit bring back stability into border rugby”.
He was speaking on behalf of current BRFU president Phumlani Mkolo.
Nontshinga said the union was the main source of quality black rugby players, and if people were serious about transforming rugby, it would have to start with stability within the BRFU.
The Dispatch reported last year in March that Saru had suspended all future funding for BRFU with immediate effect. The lack of audited financial records prompted the decision.
The union had apparently failed to submit acceptable annual budgets for the year ending December 31 2013.
BRFU is still under administration following these financial troubles.
“When Thahla [clan name for Stofile] was president, there was stability at BRU. “He left it in good standing. “If he was still alive during this crucial time when there are challenges, his expertise [would be] needed. In honour of him, let’s all work towards bringing stability to Border rugby,” said Nontshinga.
Several high-profile sports administrators and politicians were present at yesterday’s event.
These included Thobile Mtya, South African Sport Council’s Mpumelelo Javu, former ANC member of parliament Phila Ngqumba, ANC provincial secretary Oscar Mabuyane and finance MEC Sakhumzi Somyo.
Stofile will be laid to rest in Alice on Saturday.