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EPRU ‘scuffle’ – Qondakele Sompondo responds

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Dear MyPE

My name is Qondakele Sompondo, one of the 15 club representatives (from nine clubs) that joined the EP Kings petition handover at EP Rugby offices this morning [Monday 7 December 2015].

I received with regret the misrepresentation of facts from the EPRU Press release which states that I am “not affiliated with any club structure related to the union”. This is a blatant lie and a clear indication of fabrication of facts that has characterised EPRU administration under the leadership of President Watson.

I am the Head Coach of Rhodes University Rugby side for the past 4 years and have coached EP Kings U-19 for four years (2007 to 2011). Rhodes is a full member of EPRU.

Earlier this year, after consultations with EPRU, we pulled the Rhodes 1st XV out of the EPRU Adams Cup league but left the U-21’s to continue playing. We pulled out because we wanted to get stronger opposition as we prepare for our entry into Varsity Shield next year. A result of that was the formation of the Eastern Cape High performance league that had all four Eastern Cape Universities and the Academies (Border and EP Kings Academy). We participated in this league with the likes of NMMU, Fort Hare, Walter Sisulu University, EP Kings Academy and Border Academy. Here is the article that proves that: http://www.heraldlive.co.za/new-high-performance-league-sprouts-student-rugby-stars/

You may verify this fact with the Chairperson of Rhodes University Sports Council, Professor Rod Walker.

Now this other point on my character, “became physical with EP Rugby security and tried to force his way into the EPRU offices and the meeting”, implies that I acted violently when in fact the I am the one that was ‘manhandled’ by EPRU security officials.

I joined the call to support the players as a concerned rugby administrator in this province. What continues to puzzle me is why they also refused entry to other club officials if I was singled out as someone that does not belong there?

Maybe President Watson and Olga Williams will provide an answer to that.

As clubs we ask you to do a simple thing, President Watson, to come and account to us as the principals of this Union.

I expect nothing less than an official apology from EPRU for the events of today and this misrepresentation of facts.

Kind Regards

Qondakele Sompondo

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This author is a 'catch-all' for occasional articles and letters written to MyPE. The Author of each article can be found in the signature at the bottom of each individual article.