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The captain of the western province, Siya Kolisi.
Ashley Vlotman / Gallo Images
- WP Rugby will announce a new CEO position in January 2021.
- President Ebrahim Rasool says the union has chosen to make pivotal changes to achieve “excellence both on and off the field.”
- WP coach John Dobson is confident that his star players will remain in the union.
WP Rugby has announced its intention to announce a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The union president Ebrahim Rasool, together with the head coach John dobson, addressed reporters on Tuesday, where they provided an update on a wide range of “pertinent issues.”
In his opening speech, Rasool said that the union’s top brass held “a very important and decisive full-day board meeting” on Saturday, where open and honest discussions were held.
Rasool acknowledged that there were “enormous problems and perceptions facing Western Province Rugby.”
It followed a tumultuous week in which the union first faced the news that Flyt Property Investment would seek “damages” for breaching an agreement signed in June 2020, while US consortium MVM Holdings withdrew from negotiations on a possible investment.
“We want to act in a way that shows that the Western Province Professional Rugby Board (WPPR) is pursuing a path of excellence, not only on the rugby field, but also in the boardrooms and off the rugby field.” Rasool said.
He continued: “And therefore we have decided to make fundamental changes with the fundamental objective of achieving excellence both on and off the field. And if it is off the field, then it must be backed by strong governance and good leadership from the company.
“To achieve on the field, a goal of a world-class rugby team capable of at least being in the Currie Cup final next year and a great contender for international championships the following season.
“We are aware that player happiness and safety must be linked to financial responsibility and sustainability, transparent governance, ongoing and sustained engagement with all our stakeholders, as well as inclusive transformation goals.
“We know that our credibility is based on the development and implementation of a credible and practical plan of action.
“So this commitment to rugby excellence is not based simply on ensuring the well-being and happiness of the players and the successful negotiation of new contracts – although we do, we have paid and will continue to pay our players and ensure their well-being. But we are now committed to creating an enabling environment for our players to continue to perform with pride and determination towards the rugby goals we have set ourselves. “
Among the proposed changes, Rasool said they would seek a new CEO. Since Paul Zacks resigned as CEO in January, WP President Zelt Marais has shared in these duties.
“In terms of stability and integrity of governance, the council has committed to deepen even the separation of powers and functions between the union and the company, and in particular the powers and functions of the company. This will include, among others, the search and appointment of a new and independent CEO of the company in January 2021.
“And I emphasize those words … separate the CEO of the company … if we are to achieve the objective of separating the obligations and jurisdictions of the shareholder and those of the board of directors and the company.
“We have also immediately decided to incorporate Mr. Solly Moeng, who is on the board, into the management committee so that independent board members dominate the week-by-week decision-making of the Province Professional Rugby Company. Western.
“In summary, we want a majority of independent members even at that operational level. There will also be a greater focus on sustained and meaningful engagement with players, staff, sponsors, and the public. The board will ensure future financial viability by interact positively with all stakeholders, thereby ensuring trust and shared understanding of our common goals, “said Rasool.
However, Rasool added that Marais would continue to form an integral role in the union.
“I believe that implicit in our commitment to separate the roles of the company and the union, the shareholder and the board, Mr. Marais continues to be a valued director on the board.
“That experience and passion for rugby cannot be bought. [But] we have to make sure that you are not overloaded with responsibilities on both sides.
“The president will continue to take on enormous responsibilities that go with that within the shareholder domains, but it will remain a link between the board and the shareholder. We look forward to a redefined relationship with the president of Western Province Rugby Football Union.”
Dobson is confident that the star players will stay
With the MVM deal failing, there are rumors that the American investor is eager to now form an alliance with the Sharks.
This has raised fears of an exodus of players in the Cape, with a report last week even indicating that WP captain Siya Kolisi could be heading to Durban.
Dobson, however, said he was confident they would keep their star players.
“We are excited and excited about recent events. We have had difficult times in the media, but as a gaming group we know that we are blessed, due to the goodwill of shareholders and the board, with a world-class team. No we’ve been in the business of acquiring [players] from outside, but we want to retain [the talent we have].
“Under the direction of the president, we have engaged with each and every player and they have all indicated a desire to stay, and that is a great reflection of the union and the franchise. This board strategy will give tremendous confidence to the players to keep their future here, “Dobson said during a virtual press conference.
The WP coach noted that the majority of his group of players were signed up until the end of October 2021 and that they would go through the next steps of the negotiations “sooner rather than later” in the hope of retaining the “same squad entering 2022 “.
