Photo: Phiwokuhle Mothemela
"It was not an easy task to work through nominations for the leadership of the union, but we were encouraged by the individuals who said they are willing to serve in whichever portfolio."
This is how acting president of the Eastern Province Rugby Union George Malgas opened the press conference to announce the proposed leadership which was held at the Union headquarters in Gqeberha on Thursday.
Malgas announced the names of seven candidates who were nominated after "extensive meetings were held" in a quest to take rugby in the province to new heights ahead of the official elections set to take place on the 30th of November.
Among the list of candidates announced is chair of chairs in the National Assembly, Cedrick Frolick who has been nominated as vice president.
Mbulelo Gidane is the proposed candidate for the role of deputy president.
Meanwhile, Tania Vermaak is set to take on Finance, Human Resources and Marketing, Phillip Josephs, Club Affairs and Facilities, Freddie Makoki, Provincial Affairs, and Sinethemba Mjakuca, Coaching and Game Development portfolios.
Malgas said the intention is to build a union that seeks to build strong rugby structures, attract and retain quality administrative staff and leadership, and one that will ensure the financial stability of the union.
He also said the aim is to form partnerships with critical stakeholders, protect the union's image and brand, uplift and empower communities through the game, and lead the transformation agenda in South African Rugby.
This new leadership nomination comes after an executive was elected during a heated meeting earlier this year, where Malgas was replaced by Gerld Antonie, during a a squabble about the union's constitution regarding the presidential vacancy.
However, according to Malgas, a consensus has been reached to save the union, and in their efforts to do so, former Bok coach Allister Coetzee was roped in for the next four years.
"We have given Coetzee an instruction which is to ensure that we play good rugby in the coming season which will put us in the position to play in the premier division of the Currie Cup."
While Gidane ensured club representatives the elections next week would be safe.
