Kings must walk the talk
2 Aug 2010
SIMON BORCHARDT wonders if the Kings’ admission to Super Rugby really will be a boost for transformation.
On Saturday, I watched the Boland Kavaliers play the EP Kings in Wellington and was surprised to see just four black players in the latter’s starting XV.
How often have we heard that an Eastern Cape franchise will help to speed up the transformation of South African rugby? How often have we heard that the region is home to talented black players who have what it takes to play professional rugby but simply haven’t been given the opportunity? If these black players really do exist, then why aren’t they playing for EP in the First Division?
EP like to portray themselves as the ‘people’s team’, yet most of their players are white (including De Wet Barry, the captain). They also have a white coach (Alan Solomons), a white president (Cheeky Watson) and a white CEO (Stefan Pretorius). How are they different from a union like the Bulls, who are perceived by many to be anti-transformation?
If the Kings want to get special treatment from Saru, then it’s time they started walking the talk. Pick at least 10 black players in the starting XV and another five on the bench. Start developing a black coach who can eventually become the head coach under Solomons (the director of rugby). Identify black administrators who can take over from Watson and Pretorius.
At the moment, EP seem to care more about qualifying for the Currie Cup Premier Division than anything else. If that is the case, then they should just be honest about it and admit that they, like most rugby teams, believe that winning is more important than being representative.
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53 Comments
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2 Aug 2010, 11:55 am
It’ll be a boost for a couple of people’s wallets no doubt.
Trouble will be not far behind when you notice everyone, including the cleaning staff, wearing Armani suits to work..
2 Aug 2010, 11:57 am
Good article Simon! We hear ad nauseum about this great pool of talent in the E.Cape that’s (still?) being “denied”… Well – where are they…??
We hear ad nauseum how the Kings ‘have’ to be promoted to Super Rugby for the “good of transformation”…?? At the expense of the Cheetahs and/or the Lions……
Show us the players, show us how they perform – and no-one will have a problem. What does it do for transformation – if it’s a predominatly white team that plays for EP – including coaching personnel and administration…?? Come on – there’s no longer place to hide behind convenient mis-direction…
As they say in Afrikaans – “Haal uit en wys…”. Let’s see how good they really are – on the field of play – the only arena where sporting prowess is ‘judged’…
2 Aug 2010, 11:59 am
A laughable article, presenting Simon’s personal opinions as ‘commonly held perceptions’.
Who considers the Bulls to be’anti-Transformation?’ Simon? Because at last count they had more black supporters than any other union. And common perceptions certainly did not seem to be that they are anti transformation when they invaded Soweto in grounbreaking fashion this season.
Whats wrong with trying to qualify for the currie cup first at all costs? Nothing else will succeed if EP don’t first achieve that feat.
Simon’s speaking through his bottom again.
2 Aug 2010, 12:05 pm
Simon, the reason that there’s so few black players, is that the best have already left the province to play where there is a S14 franchise. Once the Kings get a franchise it will stop and reverse the flow of players.
2 Aug 2010, 12:08 pm
That article looks like skopshite had written it and simon has copied it.
2 Aug 2010, 12:17 pm
this piece goes to show the poor journalism on this site. All the good black players have either moved to bigger unions or havent bothered to pursue a career in rugby. Blue Bulls have the most intergrated franchise from junior to senior ranks.
2 Aug 2010, 12:17 pm
@ David – can you name them?? Please list the names of these black players who have left EP and are currently plying their trade in the squads of other Currie Cup teams…
Simon is spot on with this article. May not be what everyone wants to hear – but it’s the truth – where are these players…??
@ Tacitus – Thank-You for acknowledging the prime importance of success on the field in your two lines: “What’s wrong with…..”
Right – what that basically means is – always – ALWAYS select the best player in his position. And – the best 22 players in a team – on merit only.
The point is – we hear ad nuaseum about this “pool of talent in the E.Cape” that already exists – so, if the politicians et al are to be believed – they should be there in the team – NOW.
So – again – where are they…?????
2 Aug 2010, 12:22 pm
@Nick Armstrong(Nick Armstrong)-7: a few jus off top of my head.
Lwazi Mvovo, Luzuko Vulindlu, Jongi Nokwe, Bandise Maku, Kolisi boy wit the Lions, Ndungane brothers.
2 Aug 2010, 12:30 pm
@Mczana(Mczana)-8:
Mokoena also.
The point is though, that an EC franchise will strengthen the interest in rugby there and help to keep players, black and white, in the province.
2 Aug 2010, 12:35 pm
@Mczana(Mczana)-8: Nokwe played for Boland. He lives in Khayalitsha. The Ndungane twins from East London. Simon is referring to EP, whose admin constantly claims, it is the stronghold of black rugby players.
2 Aug 2010, 12:36 pm
How about they appoint Pieter De Villiers and he could then sign Chillieboy, Kirchner, Ricky , Davon Raubenheimer, Adi Jacobs and Earl Rose.With the four they have, these six could make the ten they require and they all favourites of THE CLOWN.
2 Aug 2010, 12:38 pm
@David(David)-4: The Kings will lose players even if they do have a franchise (look at the Cheetahs, who still lose players every year). Are you telling me there are no Currie Cup-level black players in PE right now?
2 Aug 2010, 12:46 pm
@Simon(Simon)-12:
To be honest, I don’t know whether there are or not. I do know that the good ones are immediately snapped up by other unions, both black and white. The major problem for the Cheetahs is money, or rather lack of it, to keep players. I have a feeling though, that the Kings would attract a far bigger sponsorship than the Cheetahs, considering the size of the market there, and also far bigger crowds.
2 Aug 2010, 12:49 pm
ag, so what if black players have left ep to play for bigger unions?
the list of white players who have done the same thing is about 12 times as long.
so if the endless numbers of black players from the ec are outnumbered by endless numbers of witou’s, how will the kings be a black team?
and who gives a toss actually.
racists!
2 Aug 2010, 12:52 pm
@ MCZANA – thanks mate – I hear you – but that’s still very few – especially when you consider you’re naming players over the last 5/6 years…
Mvovo and Vulindlu – are you’re sure they’re from the E.Cape? I stand to be corrected – but I thought they were from KZN itself…
Point is – and no-one wants to make this a nasty debate – our country has moved forward a million miles over the last 2 months – and no-one wants to see a return to the vitriol that was omni-present 4/5 months ago. All a true fan of any sport is asking for – is select the best players in their respective positions – regardless of race or politics. That’s all.
Transformation is not about a few black faces in a team. It’s about taking the game to the people – and allowing those less fortunate – to come to the traditional rugby stadia – and share in the passion. This can be achieved by allocating tickets for distribution at a much cheaper price through rugby clubs in the townships. And – by providing subsidised transport to take the people from the townships – to the stadia in the more affluent areas. THAT is transformation.
What we saw at Orlando Stadium in May has shown us the way. I was one of those who rejoiced when it became apparent the Bulls would have to play there. I saw this as opportunity – and it happened – fate/the Universe granted us opportunity – and we took it and embraced it with open hearts and minds…
This is the way forward. The Springboks playing Test rugby at Soccer City – and tickets been made available to the local rugby clubs at greatly reduced prices is another way forward. The Bulls and Lions playing Super Rugby and Currie Cup rugby there too is another way forward…
Take the game to the people – and give the people opportunity, and access, to come to the game when it’s played in the traditional rugby stadia around the country – THAT’S transformation…
2 Aug 2010, 12:55 pm
Lots of players doesn’t mean lots of GOOD players. It might mean lots and lots of dross and chaff.
2 Aug 2010, 12:58 pm
@Nick Armstrong(Nick Armstrong)-15: “Take the game to the people”? Are white citizens not “the people” too? Are the 80000 who will be at Soccer City or Loftus somehow not “the people” too? What are they? Penguins?
2 Aug 2010, 13:07 pm
@Nick Armstrong(Nick Armstrong)-15:
That’s why it’s important to have a franchise in the EC. I agree with Rangerman that the colour of the team is the least important, so long as the people in the area can identify with it. My remarks about the best black players leaving the area was made to illustrate that the EC provincial regions will never be competitive whilst there’s nothing to keep the players in the region.
2 Aug 2010, 13:09 pm
BTW Mvovo is from Umtata.
2 Aug 2010, 13:09 pm
@ The Tackler – of course they are mate. It’s just that the cost of tickets and transport to get to the traditional stadia are prohibiting factors for the majority of township citizens.
That’s why rugby has been seen as an “elitist” sport. We, as most white citizens, are fortunate enough we can afford it – or, if we cannot, have DStv at home or a mate’s place. Again – this is a luxury many township folk cannot afford…
All I’m saying is that if we want REAL transformation (not just the bollocks of ‘numbers’ in a team) – then we need to embrace the economic reality of our brethren in the townships – and make it as affordable, and accessible, as possible for them to share in the magic that is rugby.
THAT is how we will move the debate, and expectations, from numbers in a team/squad – to a citizenry that ALL supports our rugby teams – REGARDLESS of the racial composition of the teams and coaches themselves…
2 Aug 2010, 13:20 pm
@ David (no 18) – good points – I hear you.
However – I think what Simon is also alluding to – is the fact that we have a very vociferous rugby administration in the E.Cape sprouting all kinds of, what in effect is, inflammatory drivel – about how the Kings must NOW be promoted (at the expense of a much stronger Cheetahs team?) etc etc… And – backing up their statements by talking of this “great pool of talent that hasn’t been given an opportunity…”
Bottom line – call for inclusion at the highest level – fine. Strengthen the team with the best available coaches and players – white or not – yes, fine. Build a team that can compete with the major Currie Cup teams, and ultimately in Super Rugby – fine. But DON’T LIE about how you’re going to do so. Don’t misdirect the ‘conversation’… Don’t promise it’s all about black rugby players having been “denied” – who will now play – and then fill all the crucial positions – on and off the field of play – with white players/coaches/administrators…
2 Aug 2010, 13:21 pm
@Nick Armstrong(Nick Armstrong)-20:
The soccer games played at the Coke Tin don’t want for fans, neither does Loftus. Transport is not the main barrier, the cost of tickets is, compared to soccer.
2 Aug 2010, 13:53 pm
@ David (no. 22) – I know it’s the cost of tickets – I referred to that. However – it’s both together – which makes attending the games prohibitive…
My point is – SARU would have no problem in securing sponsorship from a corporate – which would secure subsidised transport from, say, the Soweto Rugby Club, or Gugulethu Rugby Club – to Ellis Park or Newlands… A sponsor could come on board purely to sponsor the transport – a guaranteed ‘lift’ to and from the stadia – departing at at specified times…
It can be done – it just requires seeing a bigger picture – thinking “out the box” – ie – the will to do so…
2 Aug 2010, 13:54 pm
@David(David)-4: don’t worry simon is talking through his bumhole. EP before cheeky took over had no relationship with the schools around the Eastern Cape! Even Alan Miles the director of rugby at Grey PE was suprise to get a call from Solomons this year about boys that are @ Grey because it had been 4 years already since EP had shown any interest or even communicated with Grey!
The stars from Grey, Dale, Queens, Daniel Pienaar are contracted by other provinces at craven week already!
Feeds
Cheetahs retain future stars
The Cheetahs have signed a large majority
of their SA U18 players, while other unions
have made some good signings of their
own.
Twenty-two players of the 32-man squad
have signed one- or two-year contracts
with either the Cheetahs, Bulls, WP, Lions or
Sharks. The other players are expected to
commit to other unions in the near future.
Manager of the Cheetahs Academy Peet
Kleynhans told keo.co.za that the
management are delighted with the players
they have contracted, especially with EP
flank Siya Kolisi.
‘It’s a very good feeling to see these players
commit to the Cheetahs,’ he said. ‘They were
also very excited, especially those who are
from Bloemfontein.
‘Kolisi received offers from other provinces
and he was also approached by one of the
Australian rugby league clubs. So we are
happy he decided to join us. We are very
happy with all the signings. ’
However, Kleynhans added he was
disappointed to lose star centre Piet
Lindeque to the Sharks Academy.
Border centre Andile Jho, who has joined
the Bulls, admitted that the rise of Eastern
Cape rugby was not appealing to him.
‘It was a difficult decision for me because it
means I have to leave my family behind,
but I like the Bulls ’ style of rugby. I’m not
really interested in playing for the Southern
Kings one day, ’ he said.
Other big moves sees WP hooker Gareth
Topkin signing with the Lions, while EP prop
Zolani Faku has committed to Province.
2 Aug 2010, 13:55 pm
How long are we going to debate rugby and transformation? It is becoming more and more apparent that SA Rugby will never get this transformation thing right. Whether it is by choice is another question altogether. The Kings are meant to draw from the whole of the Eastern and Southern Cape and the truth of the matter is that 99% of the black players in the non-Cape franchises are from the Kings’ region. If the administrators were genuine about growing black rugby, all these players would stay and the Kings would be playing Super Rugby by now.
2 Aug 2010, 14:16 pm
@ Transformation (no. 24) – let’s not turn this into a debate of where the best young players come from…
Grey Bloem and Free State are the nursery of SA rugby. Year after year after year. End of story. That’s why Grey Bloem, and Free State schools, pretty much pulverise all other schools – and the other provincial schools teams at Craven Week…
The only joke is – they then only get 2 players in the SA Schools starting XV…
I would LOVE to see Grey Bloem vs the SA Schools team… Won’t happen, I know – could get embarrassing for the schools selectors…
Anyways – like Chiliboy Ralepelle – many of these schoolboy players excel at school level – but then struggle to make the (genuine) step-up to provincial rugby/ Super Rugby/ Test level…
Another thorny question to be asked: Are these players getting contracts because they genuinely are that good – or are the Unions simply looking to cover their backs – by having the best of what’s available on their books – in order to satisfy the ‘numbers’ requirements – to satisfy the politicians…??
Until there is genuine transparency in team selections – and teams/squads are selected on MERIT ONLY – these questions will always persist – and thus there will always be a blight upon the selections of certain players… They will never earn the genuine respesct of their peers – locally and abroad – while these questions persist………
And while there are quotas – official and “unofficial” – they will, quite understandably, persist…
Get rid of quotas – sham and otherwise – take the game to all corners of the land, and make it accessible for all to attend – pump money and effort into the development of facilities, coaches and the players themselves in the poorer communities – and then let the best boys/men play for our teams…
2 Aug 2010, 14:37 pm
All this article suggests is the bigger unions with all their money have a reason to worry,, the bigger unions could always justify leaving the Elephants/Spears/Kings out due to their dismal on the field performances, and the EC region pulled the transformation card, was not the best way to get the franchise. Now the EC is performing on the field so you result in targeting the transformation issues. If you have been around from the professional era, you of all should know that provincialism is dead, money makes the world go round, hell watch the better players leave after the world cup to greener pastures. The reality is if the Kings get into the Currie Cup proper, I’d hate to be in the Lions boardroom, they don’t look like turning the dead horse around. The Kings Franchise should eb a problem for he Lions franchise, SARU will be obliged to look at the Franchise allocation around the country,, and I bet Stofille will be banging his drum the loudest and good for him. While I’m on a roll, I see the lions are looking at Soccer City, hell why don’t they just look NORTH to Loftus, this would solve all the problems.. I say good luck to the Kings, I hope they win promotion, Go on Cheeky about time we had some balls in SARU .
2 Aug 2010, 14:40 pm
@David(David)-4: Thanks for that , I thought I was maybe delusional with the same thoughts , then again u need to check who wrote the piece , Mr open secrets LOL
2 Aug 2010, 14:55 pm
I have written several editorials urging Saru to include the Kings in Super Rugby, and I still believe they should replace the Lions in next year’s competition. But that was based on the fact that black rugby players, most of whom stay in the Eastern Cape, would be given opportunities, and it worries me that EP have so few black players in the Currie Cup this year. Yes, their black stars have gone to other provinces, but surely there’s a lot of black talent in PE club rugby? Or maybe there isn’t.
2 Aug 2010, 15:38 pm
this article is a reflection of the challenge that the Kings face. Simon’s ability to communicate the real issue is somewhat lacking in this article. First of all …. winning and being representative is NOT a mutually exclusive concept. And secondly an integrated society is NOT about colour but about a culture/environment where the cream rises to the top and is not impeded/prevented by stereotypical thinking……..
Oh and Keo….. East London is part of the Eastern Cape and hence part of the catchment area for the new S15 franchise.
2 Aug 2010, 15:51 pm
@Simon(Simon)-29:
Simon, if you read Trannies post, you’ll see that most of the ECs youngsters are signed up at school level by the other unions, so what’s left is presumably mainly club players.
2 Aug 2010, 16:40 pm
@Simon(Simon)-29: Playing the Devil’s advocate?, I see….
Care to comment on EP/Border cricket sides before franchising?
2 Aug 2010, 16:51 pm
my Lions will give these EP Kings snot klap of note if they were to meet tomorrow. Oh it is true.
2 Aug 2010, 16:52 pm
I am amazed that a piss-willy 2nd rate team gets this kind of coverage at all. Up until this year who knew who was at the top of the 1st Div (hint it wasn’t EP, they were last).
As for the Massive Crowds… 50 000 people at R100 per test ticket is still less that 20 000 at R450. That’s what other Unions charge cos SARU charges them more.
Fair?
Anything with Watson in it has to be rotten.
2 Aug 2010, 16:55 pm
@RedLion is born again(RL)-33: your lions are a DISGRACE to the term SA Super 14 franchise!!
2 Aug 2010, 16:56 pm
Simon my fine feathered friend, I would not replace the Lions with some dead beat team from some dead beat province … I would rather replace them with the Griquas.
sadly it is true.
2 Aug 2010, 16:59 pm
@Papoose(papaown)-35: well lucky for my team that the S14 is history.
We will win the S15 … oh it is true.
2 Aug 2010, 17:02 pm
@RedLion is born again(RL)-36: 100% on that.
Griquas deserve it BIG TIME
2 Aug 2010, 17:07 pm
@XhosaKid(XhosaKid)-32: yeah they Rpoached Rusty from the Cricket Lions, then they poached Kallis from the WP before poaching some more.
2 Aug 2010, 17:11 pm
@RedLion is born again(RL)-39:
They didn’t need to poach from WP. The guys were p…..d off because they weren’t selected for last years final when they returned from test duty.
2 Aug 2010, 17:18 pm
Did you know that the Afrikaaners actually found gold in the EP but dug it up and moved it all the way to the Rand and buried it again. All to stop the EP having money and thus preventing them from playing S15 in 2011.
2 Aug 2010, 17:51 pm
Sharks have a fair few Eastern Cape guys in their ranks.. Odwa, Mvovo, Mthembu, Sithole…that’s just off the top of my head
2 Aug 2010, 17:58 pm
@robdylan(robdylan)-42:
Isn’t Kanko from the EC?
2 Aug 2010, 18:48 pm
Maybe its because all their good black players are taken by provinces already in the Premier division and super 14.
Cart before the horse Simon … why must EP do overnight what other provinces couldn’t do for decades.
If you know your rugby, it won’t be hard to work out where the majority of black springboks hail from.
2 Aug 2010, 20:50 pm
@David(David)-43: Yes, Kankowski, Keegan Daniels, Bjorn Basson, Rory Kockott, Dewald Potgieter, Luke Watson, Lionel Cronje, Tim Whitehead, Fabian Juries, Jongi Nokwe, Ndungane’s, Kirchner, Maku, Sykes, Muller,Mvovo, ( wont count Vulindlu) I’m sure I’m missing shitloads but anywhere all these boys would have a had a reason to stay if they had a franchise
@RedLion is born again(RL)-39: If you know fcukall about a sport, shut the fack up
2 Aug 2010, 21:07 pm
Simon, if EP had +10 years of Super Rugby , this would have been investment in the region, unfortunately the reality is that EP administrators had some fingers in the cookie jar and that is why things have taken 10 years to turn the tide. If they had the proper administration as it appears now, then, I am certain the transformation issues wouldn’t be a point of discussion,, lets see what the Lions have done with all that money??
3 Aug 2010, 00:37 am
We do need to spread the game to those poor and unfortante souls we dont get to experience the joys of the game played in heaven.
Players migrate from EP to other union because of the pay cheque and a poorly managed provence.
But we need to reward teams for good play and management and not colour so the
Griquas really should be getting a nod ahead of the Kings.
B
ut reality is the issue of race still blights the older generation on both sides while our kids move on.
We the older generation are the problem with our victim mindsets.
3 Aug 2010, 00:48 am
@KevinRack(KevinRack)-47:
Griquas already form part of the Cheetahs S14/15 franchise. What are you proposing, actually.
3 Aug 2010, 05:57 am
I think everyone is missing the point of the article.
Simon does not seem to have an issue of whether or not the EC is producing star “black players”, which we all know and have stated that they are.
What he is merely pointing out is that all through the campaign for a super 15 berth, the Southern Kings were saying that their team is soley to promote transformation and thus would feature all the black players. However, this seems to have been only empty promises from their campaign, not that EC does not produce players of quality.
I tend to agree with what Nick Armstrong is saying. Just after the 1995 World cup there was an article written in Sa Rugby Magazine with a slogan “Do not tell me that we do not have a 1.9m, 118kg guy who can run the 100m in 10.5 somewhere in one of our townships.”
Sadly this is the truth and unless SARU start promoting the game to ALL LEVELS of South African Citizens, I guess we will never know.
3 Aug 2010, 06:11 am
@Joe Schmou(Joe Schmou)-49:
Nick is/was probably right but a political driven admin went about it in the wrong way. Instead of starting at the grass root level and cultivating a loving culture for the game they opted for the high end of town with “token quotas”. Fifteen years on and the only legacy is the word quota where even the merit ones are tarnished with the same brush. A lot of money wasted and little to show for it.
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