Ex-bok Willemse storms off air
FORMER Springbok wing Ashwin Willemse lost his cool and walked off the set of a live Supersport TV broadcast last night after a verbal clash with Nick Mallett and Naas Botha.
It is unclear what angered Willemse, who was a fellow analyst for the Super Rugby match between the Lions and the Brumbies, to such an extent that he decided to leave the studio while on air.
In video clips posted on social media, Willemse mentioned that he was “not going to be patronised by two individuals who played in apartheid”, referring to Mallett and Botha, who were Springboks in the 1980s.
“You see, I think it’s important for me because, you know, I’ve played this game for a long time, like all of us here,” Willemse said.
“And, as a player, I was labelled a quota player for a long time. I worked hard to earn some respect in this game.
“So I’m not going to be patronised by two individuals who played in apartheid – a segregated era – and come and want to undermine…
“I think, for me, I’ve had my fair share. I can’t work with people who undermine others. And you can sit and laugh about it, but you know exactly what happened.
“And it’s fine, it’s fine. I don’t mind being ridiculous. I’m glad it happens on air so that people can see, because you two sit here – no, it’s fine.”
Presenter Motshidisi Mohono: “Well, that’s unfortunate, because the match was going so well, and so was our conversation.”
Supersport’s communications manager, Clinton van der Berg, said he was aware of the incident. He had seen recordings but was not sure what sparked Willemse’s reaction.
“I don’t know what was before Ashwin walked out.
“We will look into the incident and chat to the production crew before we release a statement,” said Van der Berg.
Fans immediately reacted on social media to Willemse’s unexpected move.
Llewellyn Scholtz said: “Admiration to Ashwen Willemse.”
Lindsey Casey asked: “What happened on Supersport?”
Russell Luyt was unimpressed with Willemse. He said: “I think Ashwin is very poor in using the race card with two professional colleagues – disappointing and distasteful.”
Willemse played at wing for the Springboks in 2003 and took part in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. said