Border rugby cars repossessed

THERE is no end to border rugby’s woes as it runs out of money for development plans.

This week the Border Rugby Football Union (BRFU) administrator confirmed the bank had repossessed its fleet of vehicles.

Three months ago the South African Rugby Union (Saru) withdrew financial support and called for Border to be put under administration.

Sources in the BRFU said, this week, some vehicles had been removed from the union and sent to Rose-Innes Auctioneers in Braelyn.

“The remaining four vehicles are still at large,” said a source at Border Rugby, who wanted to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation.

One of the vehicles had ANC branding on its mirrors and it is alleged that some of the vehicles were used for election campaigns in the Buffalo City area.

In a stakeholders’ meeting earlier this year, Border Rugby general manager Dumisani Mhani revealed the dire financial situation at the union.

Staff salaries including bonuses had not been paid. Mhani also reported that the union owed Mkolo more than R600000 after he paid staff salaries from his own pocket.

Saru then decided to send Tabata to stabilise the union’s financial situation.

“We decided to negotiate with the bank since it was way too expensive for the union. Development needs money more than logistics. Money is needed on the field. We are on a belt-tightening programme,” he said.

Tabata said he was not aware the vehicles had been used for political campaigns.

“No Border Rugby Union employee is allowed to misuse the union assets under any circumstance.

“I was not aware that these vehicles were used for such, otherwise we would have taken action. Pity that this now comes after they have been repossessed,” said Tabata.

Another Border rugby executive member, Xolile Ngcamama, who represents first division, said he did not want to comment.

“I don’t want to say anything on the matter. There are other relevant people to talk to,” said Ngcamama. — bonganif@dispatch.co.za