Still no clarity for Kings in PRO14

While proposed R45m takeover bid continues, players face unclear future

Hopefully the Bob Dylan classic “The Times They Are a-Changin” has real meaning for the ailing Isuzu Southern Kings in 2019.

Gaze into a crystal ball and you will see plenty of promise and some threatening storm clouds on the horizon.

A vastly transformed landscape could confront the Kings when they face Edinburgh in a Guinness PRO14 match at Murrayfield on January 5.

When the players broke up after their match against Benetton Treviso, there will have been mixed feelings among players and staff.

For starters, the Kings could have a new coach by the time they travel to Edinburgh for the January 5 clash.

That scenario, though seems unlikely.

The team could also boast new still undecided, owners if the cash-flush business consortium succeed in taking control of the club.

While the consortium’s bid to buy a controlling stake remains on track, it has been to the detriment of the Kings that it has taken so long to seal the deal.

Announced in August, the wheels have been turning slowly on this mooted takeover.

The consortium are ready to inject R45m into the ailing franchise, but are locked in meetings with the EP Rugby Union over the deal.

Finality on the buyout could be reached when the consortium meet EP Rugby clubs at a date that has yet to be decided.

Transforming the also-rans into title contenders, is the lofty ambition of the rugby-loving businessmen.

After 31 matches in the PRO14 since making their debut in 2017, the Kings have celebrated victory on only two occasions.

If this unpalatable situation continues, PRO14 bosses will be forced to have to consider what exactly the Kings are bringing to their brand.

Fixing the wrongs at the Kings will not be easy, but having loads of cash at your disposal can make things happen quickly in professional sport.

Make no mistake, the consortium will have their work cut out to resurrect the ailing franchise if they take control.

The position of Kings coach Deon Davids remains unclear after he was placed on a three-man shortlist to coach the Bulls Super Rugby team.

But, if word on the grapevine is correct, former Bok lock Victor Matfield will be the new Bulls coach and Davids will remain in Port Elizabeth.

After his team’s last game in 2018 against Benetton Treviso, Davids confirmed he remained fully committed to the Kings and was happy in Port Elizabeth.

When the Kings run on to the field at Murrayfield in four weeks’ time, we should have a better idea of where the franchise is heading.

Finality on the buyout could be reached when the consortium meet EP Rugby clubs at a date that has yet to be decided