Cheetahs frustrated with AWOL Mapoe
Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:45
Wrong colours: Lionel Mapoe training with the Sharks. (c) Gallo
The Free State Cheetahs are planning further legal action against AWOL wing Lionel Mapoe, who still has not turned up for training in Bloemfontein.
After a legal tug-'o-war between the Cheetahs and the Sharks for the 22-year-old's services, the matter was finally resolved when the arbitrator, Advocate Bertus van Rhyn, ruled in the Cheetahs' favour.
Mapoe cited problems with his salary as the reason he wanted to leave and take up a more lucrative contract with the Sharks.
Despite being ordered to return to training with the Cheetahs, a fit-again Mapoe is believed to still be training in Durban, with the Sharks, according to Volksblad.
Cheetahs assistant coach Hawies Fourie confirmed to rugby365.com that Mapoe still had not pitched for training on Tuesday and that Cheetahs legal representatives were looking into the matter.
The ongoing saga is a massive blow for Mapoe's Springbok aspirations, as his continued absence from Currie Cup action - after an injury-hit Super 14 - could kill off his chances for selection for the Springbok end-of-year tour.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers had planned to meet with Mapoe and his agent Jan-Harm van Wyk this week in an effort to speed up the Springbok Sevens star's return to the field. For unknown reasons the meeting was cancelled at the last minute.
The Sharks are now expected to offer the Cheetahs a transfer fee for Mapoe, who appears to have no intention of returning to Bloemfontein.
By Timmy Hancox
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