Warring factions in EP Rugby will be at one another’s throats when the cash-strapped union holds its delayed annual meeting at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium tomorrow.
It has been predicted that the gloves will come off when unhappy clubs are expected to deliver a vote of no-confidence in president Cheeky Watson and the leadership of EP Rugby.
It is expected that high-ranking Saru officials will attend the meeting which could have far-reaching repercussions for the union.
If the no-confidence move is successful it could trigger an election battle and businessman and former Despatch president Willem Oliphant has said he is willing to take over as president.
Heated exchanges are expected at a gathering which could result in a “blood on the floor” style AGM where clubs will seek answers about EP’s dire financial situation.
Watson has said he is unwillingly riding the horse as president and would happily stand down if someone could do a better job.
But he has also indicated that he has no plans to step down, despite failing to secure a reputed massive R200-million sponsorship, which triggered a cash crisis at the union.
The annual meeting has been dubbed “judgment day” by the Rugby Transformation Coalition (RTC), which says EP Rugby needs to be cleaned up and that the current leadership needs to stand down.
Emotions are likely to be at boiling point after the RTC said clubs must unite against Watson and bring new leadership to the sport.
That was the call from the coalition’s Bantwini Matika, who was part of a group who stood against Watson at last year’s annual meeting.
A senior club official, who did not want to be named, said there was growing unhappiness among clubs.
“I will compromise my club if I give you my name. I expect the EP leadership will be asked to stand down for bringing the game into disrepute based on poor performance and poor leadership,” the official said.
In 2014, after a bitter election battle, Watson won a landslide victory, winning 219 votes last year, compared to the 20 won by rival Eben Coltman.
Despite calls for his head because of cash-flow problems at the Kings, a buoyant Watson was in a fighting mood when he spoke about his trip to Australia to clinch a R200-million sponsorship deal, which he says is still on.
“I have never been bothered about negativity, but I am also not concerned about accolades,” said Watson.
“When it turns, and indeed it will turn, I am not looking for accolades from anyone. We have to face this crisis head-on.”
“I have been at pains to say at the beginning that this is not about me.
“I have always taken the position that if there is someone to ride the horse into the sunset and do a better job I would welcome him with open hands,” said Watson.
“It should not be about Cheeky Watson, or a personality. It is about the franchise and the Kings.”
Asked about speculation on a possible vote of no-confidence in his leadership Watson responded strongly.
“I am not holding on to this with all my life,” he said. “If someone wants to step in and take over the reins – by all means.”
Oliphant said: “I must say thank you to the Eastern Cape community for believing in me.
“As such they want me to take over the Kings.
“First it was a challenge I really did not want to get involved in, but seeing how people are struggling with no salaries, it is now my passion to get involved and to make a change in people’s lives.”
Gloves off as knives out for Watson
It has been predicted that the gloves will come off when unhappy clubs are expected to deliver a vote of no-confidence in president Cheeky Watson and the leadership of EP Rugby.
It is expected that high-ranking Saru officials will attend the meeting which could have far-reaching repercussions for the union.
If the no-confidence move is successful it could trigger an election battle and businessman and former Despatch president Willem Oliphant has said he is willing to take over as president.
Heated exchanges are expected at a gathering which could result in a “blood on the floor” style AGM where clubs will seek answers about EP’s dire financial situation.
Watson has said he is unwillingly riding the horse as president and would happily stand down if someone could do a better job.
But he has also indicated that he has no plans to step down, despite failing to secure a reputed massive R200-million sponsorship, which triggered a cash crisis at the union.
The annual meeting has been dubbed “judgment day” by the Rugby Transformation Coalition (RTC), which says EP Rugby needs to be cleaned up and that the current leadership needs to stand down.
Emotions are likely to be at boiling point after the RTC said clubs must unite against Watson and bring new leadership to the sport.
That was the call from the coalition’s Bantwini Matika, who was part of a group who stood against Watson at last year’s annual meeting.
A senior club official, who did not want to be named, said there was growing unhappiness among clubs.
“I will compromise my club if I give you my name. I expect the EP leadership will be asked to stand down for bringing the game into disrepute based on poor performance and poor leadership,” the official said.
In 2014, after a bitter election battle, Watson won a landslide victory, winning 219 votes last year, compared to the 20 won by rival Eben Coltman.
Despite calls for his head because of cash-flow problems at the Kings, a buoyant Watson was in a fighting mood when he spoke about his trip to Australia to clinch a R200-million sponsorship deal, which he says is still on.
“I have never been bothered about negativity, but I am also not concerned about accolades,” said Watson.
“When it turns, and indeed it will turn, I am not looking for accolades from anyone. We have to face this crisis head-on.”
“I have been at pains to say at the beginning that this is not about me.
“I have always taken the position that if there is someone to ride the horse into the sunset and do a better job I would welcome him with open hands,” said Watson.
“It should not be about Cheeky Watson, or a personality. It is about the franchise and the Kings.”
Asked about speculation on a possible vote of no-confidence in his leadership Watson responded strongly.
“I am not holding on to this with all my life,” he said. “If someone wants to step in and take over the reins – by all means.”
Oliphant said: “I must say thank you to the Eastern Cape community for believing in me.
“As such they want me to take over the Kings.
“First it was a challenge I really did not want to get involved in, but seeing how people are struggling with no salaries, it is now my passion to get involved and to make a change in people’s lives.”
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