Elections a new start

EPRU clubs will elect a new leadership on April 8.

The union has a development hub (academy) that is not beneficial to local boys and coaches, and that leads to our boys leaving the union.

What we are saying to these boys is they are not good enough to be part of a semi-professional setup.

Club rugby is dying because there’s no leadership at club level.

No one is serving for the love of the game any more.

The union needs to appoint people with skills, dedication and commitment. The union has been surviving on handouts from government.

I am certain with the right people at the helm the union will be able to attract sponsorship – no one will invest in a place where there is no stability.

Local coaches should be taken seriously. Gerald Anthony was once part of SA schools setup, but he is nowhere locally.

I would appoint Justin Peach, a kicking coach, ahead of the current Southern Kings kicking coach. Ryan Felix, who was head coach of our under-19 and under-21 sides when they where promoted to Currie Cup premier division, is nowhere.

The corporate identity (Mighty Elephants to EP Kings) of the union was changed without majority shareholders (clubs) being part of the meetings, if ever there were meetings.

The old Boet Erasmus Stadium was a source of income for the union (stadium hire for events) and I believe it was not a good business decisions for the union just to leave Boet Erasmus.

I appeal to club administrators, think about the future of our kids and don’t be selfish. EP has produced top players and administrators over the years, and I believe working together we can achieve more and there will be stability in our union.

I believe all clubs that will participate in these elections should invite all nominated people so that they can know exactly what they are bringing on board. Whoever comes on board should account to clubs on a quarterly basis so that everyone can be on the same page in terms of information.

Let’s build our clubs so that we can reclaim our rightful place in Saru. It’s unacceptable for our team to play in the lower league of the Currie Cup.

Once the results are announced, please accept the democratic process and support whoever is elected.

Luxolo, Zwide, Port Elizabeth