Soweto back in the Lions' den
Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:54
Soweto Rugby Football Club (SRFC) have agreed to reconsider their decision to disaffiliate from the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU).
This follows frank and constructive discussions between the parties, a meeting brokered by South African Rugby Union (SARU) president Oregan Hoskins.
Representatives of the club met Jannie Ferreira, President of the GLRU, and Hoskins to resolve outstanding issues.
"As a result of the positive discussions Soweto are prepared to reconsider their disaffiliation from the GLRU," a joint statement from SARU and Soweto said.
"Their final decision will however be subject to a mutually acceptable and enforceable anti-racism policy being jointly formulated by both parties before the end of October 2008."
Hoskins endorsed the agreement and praised the efforts of both parties in attempting to find a solution to the problem of racism in rugby.
The SRFC had last month informed the GLRU that they want to "go it alone", because of the union's perceived inability to deal with ongoing racism aimed at the club.
The club also solicited government assistance at the time in their quest to form their own provincial union.
A SRFC executive member said at the time that the club was "gatvol" (fed-up), given that the GLRU has failed to take its complaints seriously and appears to be hoping the problem will eventually disappear.
At issue, the SRC claims, is the continued racism, including the use of the K-word.
The club said that last month in an Under-18 match in the North West against the Impala Rustenburg Club, SRC players were labelled as "k******s".
SRFC General Secretary Luvuyo Matsha said that a separate union was necessary, given the continued marginalisation of blacks in the sport, including in its national and provincial management.
