SA Government to back the Springboks for 2011 World Cup
Springboks facing the All Blacks Haka at Vodacom Park
Whether the loyal rugby fans like it or not – government will always be involved in sport to some degree. In the past there has been much controversy with regards to the support the Springbok rugby team receives from Government – with some leaders even expressing support for the opposition!
It is good to know that the Springbok team will in 2011 go into their defence of the Webb Ellis Cup with the full backing of the South African government, who have offered “the entire arsenal” of their resources to help them retain the World Cup in New Zealand next year.
The South African Rugby Union is currently hard at work in planning a detailed assault on the tournament next year – one which includes the vision of Springbok coach Peter de Villiers, the support of the major sponsors and the government.
SARU president Oregan Hoskins revealed to Supersport.com that for the first time, the South African Sports Ministry would be actively involved in helping with arrangements for the World Cup, and have offered any assistance needed to the national team in their quest to retain the trophy they won in France in 2007.
Added to this, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has asked permission for funding for a “committee” of experts to be employed to help the Boks prepare for the tournament, with consultants from varying fields to be placed on the committee until after the World Cup.
The plan was mooted by De Villiers to Hoskins last week and has already received the buy in of the sponsors of the national team, with government also looking to do their bit for the preparations.
The offer from government comes at a time when there have been numerous headlines about the eligibility of Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira, whom the Sports Ministry have an issue with as he is a Zimbabwean at birth. The issue is still part of “ongoing discussions” according to SARU.
But Hoskins told Supersport.com that the Minister of Sport, Rev Makhenkesi Stofile met with him in December and offered all the support SARU needs unconditionally from the government.
“I met with the Minister in December last year and the Minister suggested on his own that he wants to be part of the preparations for the 2011 World Cup,” Hoskins told Supersport.com. “He saw what happened in France last year with the singing of the national anthem and said ‘this time we’re leaving nothing to chance’. We will gladly take him up on his offer.
“I’m absolutely delighted that it is not just the sponsors that will be on board, but the Ministry and Government has also offered help. I’d like to thank the Ministry for offering to help us when it comes to strategic things like 2011.
“The Minister spoke to me at length about how easy it is to scupper a team in a big tournament like the World Cup. He said he will offer all his resources available so that we have no problems in New Zealand. That to me is heartening because we as a sport have turned a corner of being a pariah to a lot of people in this country.”
Hoskins, who is standing for re-election as president next month, said it was “absolutely vital” that SARU enlist all the help needed to help the Springboks succeed in their task.
“It’s so important for us to defend the Webb Ellis Cup and we have what it takes. The Springbok coach shared his vision for the tournament with me last week and I’m very excited about his plans.
“Peter asked me to support his idea of a committee to help the World Cup Boks and I immediately arranged with Trevor Munday of Sasol for a meeting and they immediately bought into the idea. The details will be released soon but it is very exciting.”
“The bottom line for us is to ensure Springbok success. We are the best performing team in the nation. We fly the flag high for the country and I don’t say that arrogantly.
“If you look at the success we have had with the Springboks – and the Champions Tour that is currently underway throughout the country with all the trophies we have won, we can be proud of that success.”
[ Original Source: www.sport24.co.za]
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