EP Rugby Union President Cheeky Watson says he does not blame people for no-longer believing him.
He says however, that he has no intention of stepping down from the cash strapped union after failing to secure a sponsorship for the Southern Kings - going into next year's return to Super Rugby.
Speaking at a media briefing at EP Rugby on Wednesday afternoon, Watson said that if someone wants to challenge him for the Presidency at next weekend's AGM - they are free to do so as its not life and death to him.
Watson also welcomed the intervention of the SA Rugby Union who will now manage and run the affairs of the Southern Kings - 100 days in from their return to Super Rugby.
He said it was important to stop the haemoraging.
Watson confirmed that SARU had already made money available and that staff and players were being paid.
He would not commit to a time line, but was hopeful that with SARU on board, the Southern Kings would be able to secure a sponsor.
He warned, though, that in his 8-years with the Union, securing sponsorship for rugby in the Eastern Cape had always been a challenge.
Watson confirmed that other Unions were making players available to the Southern Kings and that this year's Currie Cup coach, Brent Janse van Rensburg, was remaining on as head coach.
He said they would be ready for their first Super Rugby game against the Sharks at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on the 27th of February next year.
