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Fidentia saga hits Boland stars
19/02/2007 22:05 - (SA)
Eunice Visagie, Die Burger
Cape Town - A total of 23 Boland players have been told that their contracts with the union will not be honoured.
Only 33 players out of a squad of 56 have been offered amended contracts. The others are now without an income in the aftermath of the problems experienced at Fidentia, the union's main sponsor.
Piet Heymans, chief executive of the South African Rugby Players Association (Sarpa), has described the situation as unacceptable.
"We met with the players after they had been given the news and then also consulted our legal advisers," Heymans said on Monday.
Help every player
"We have written to the Boland union, placing several matters on the table and asked them to meet us on Tuesday to try to help the players who do not have contracts.
"We will do everything we can to help every player. Fortunately some have already been approached by other unions."
Heymans said it was important to remember that there were labour laws to protect employees, in this case the players.
"We have to work within these laws," he said. "We can also try to offer the players an alternative. There has been some interest (in their services) and as soon as the European season starts, there could be other options."
Unpleasant
Heymans added that some of the younger players were considering studying further.
"It is a sad and unpleasant situation. Those who did receive contracts had to accept smaller salaries."
Sarpa will try to settle matters as quickly as possible but Heymans gave the assurance that every player would be protected.
"It will be our last option, but if necessary we will get involved in legal proceedings on behalf of the players."
The Boland Cavaliers are scheduled to play their first Vodacom Cup match of the season on Friday night, against the KwaZulu-Natal Wildebeest in Durban.
- Die Burger
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