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New power struggle in SA rugby
08/04/2008 22:02 - (SA)
Stephen Nell, Die Burger
Cape Town - A new power struggle is smouldering in South African rugby after Cheeky Watson was relieved of his position on the SA Rugby Union's presidents' council.
Freddie Makoki, deputy president of the Eastern Province Rugby Union, said on Tuesday the matter would be discussed next week.
"I have spoken to Cheeky and he mentioned that he had received an e-mail from (Saru president) Oregan Hoskins," Makoki said.
Watson was apparently informed in the e-mail that his services were no longer required.
Eastern Province would discuss the matter next Thursday, Makoki said.
"The agreement between EP, their task team and Saru was that Cheeky would serve in the presidents' council until November, when EP will hold elections.
"We'll have to see what the Saru constitution says about it."
Information has been received that the two co-opted female members of the presidents' council, Viwe Qegu and Mandisa Kalako-Williams, have also been informed that their terms have run out.
Hoskins was unavailable for comment on Tuesday but Saru's chief executive, Johan Prinsloo, said their terms had simply expired.
Could create a political problem
"Co-opted members are elected annually from general meeting to general meeting," Prinsloo explained. "Their appointment was for one year only."
"Cheeky served on the presidents' council temporarily because the presidency of the EP Rugby Union is being shared. He served until the annual meeting. The letter was to thank him for his services. New members will now be co-opted.
"The same principle is used for the national selectors. They will be elected at the next presidents' council meeting," Prinsloo said.
The issue could create a political problem for Saru because no ethnic black is now serving on the presidents' council.
Hoskins recently defeated Mike Stofile in the race for the Saru presidency.
Stofile, who was unavailable for any other position, said afterwards the result of the election had shown there was no room for blacks in SA rugby. He was severely criticised for his comment.
Mpumelelo Tshume still holds the position of chairperson of the board of SA Rugby.
It is expected that Saru would consider co-opting new black members for the presidents' council.
Watson would not comment on Tuesday evening.
Interviews to finalise the composition of the Springbok management team will be held on Wednesday. It is expected that Dick Muir and Gary Gold will soon be appointed as assistant Springbok coaches.
Arthob Petersen is the favourite to be appointed as new Springbok team manager.
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Rugby
