Opportunity for EP Rugby to prosper
EP Rugby Union president Andre Rademan will have struck a chord with many when he called for an end to the bitter infighting that has plagued his union. Rademan displayed a conciliatory tone by extending a hand of friendship to his rivals when he was re-elected president after a bitter election battle. It was an emphatic victory for Rademan, who beat his opponent, Vernon Stuurman, by 130 votes to 54 at the ballot box.
Rademan was elected on a ticket labelled as “Project Accelerated Growth” and his victory was a reward for delivering financial stability to the troubled union.
He has called for an end to internal mud-slinging and politics, and urged rugby officials to form a united front so that EP is able to prosper.
Ahead of the annual meeting, objections regarding the eligibility of several candidates were lodged including those of Rademan and Stuurman.
At the 11th hour it was decided that the election would proceed after tensions between warring factions boiled over.
All rugby fans will be hoping Rademan’s hand of friendship to the vanquished candidates is accepted so the union can move forward and achieve its long-term ambitions.
One of the new executive’s biggest goals is ensuring EP’s Elephants are transformed into a winning combination.
EP were the whipping boys in the Preparation Series when they lost by heavy margins to the Bulls, Lions, Griquas and Cheetahs.
EP’s failure to gain a promotion to the Currie Cup Premier Division at SA Rugby’s annual meeting on Tuesday may have been a blessing in disguise.
Hopefully, EP will be able to build a winning culture against weaker opposition in the lower league First Division.
Rademan says his executive will be seeking new sponsorship and investment partners to boost the Elephants’ fortunes.
EP president is hoping his landslide election victory proves to the business world that there is stability and continuity within his union.
He wants a united union where everyone stands together for rugby and personal differences are put to one side.
Sadly, there have been too many false dawns for EP Rugby. This time officials must not let this opportunity for sustainable growth slip through their fingers.