After years of barely surviving on a shoestring budget, the struggling Southern Kings PRO14 rugby franchise landed a mega double sponsorship on Monday.
Isuzu Motors SA and a consortium of predominantly black businessmen will be backing the franchise as it bids to become a force in PRO14 this season.
The consortium has bought a majority shareholding in the team.
Though officials would not divulge how much the threeyear sponsorship is worth, it is believed to be a substantial amount for PRO14’s worst-performing and poorest team last season.
The Kings will also achieve a historical milestone by becoming the first black-owned rugby franchise in the country.
Binding offers have been submitted by the relevant parties, with the SA Rugby executive committee’s approval and other transaction closing conditions set to take place over the coming weeks.
Thanks to the cash injection, there are also plans to create an academy so that the Eastern Cape can retain and grow rugby talent.
“This is the answer to all our prayers,” an emotional EP Rugby Union president, Andre Rademan, said. “This provides certainty and enables rugby in the province to develop a strong base for the future.”
Isuzu Motors SA CEO and managing director Michael Sacke said the company was excited to be the main sponsor of the Southern Kings rugby team franchise under new ownership.
The vehicle-maker also sponsors the Ironman 70.3 World Championship to be hosted in Port Elizabeth on September 1 and 2.
The high-powered consortium will be chaired by wellknown businessmen Loyiso Dotwana, who works in the construction, consulting and property development sectors.
The other members are: Gary Markson, who has been the executive provincial head of Standard Bank in the Eastern Cape for almost three years and has been in the industry for more than 16 years;
Rory Stear, chair of Flambard Capital, an international investment and consulting company with holdings in renewable energy, technology, data management and global trading;
Vuyo Zitumane, known as “Mrs Fixit” due to her leadership style, turnaround plans and integrity. She was recently appointed CEO of Amatola Water;
Kenny Govender, director of Govcomm, which provides communications systems support to the Air Bus group in Africa and the Middle East and also to SAAB defence systems. He is also a member of the Mandela Bay Development Agency board.“The Kings represent an ideal partnership opportunity as we are both new companies who are only just starting our journeys,” Sacke said.
“We both have our sights set on achieving sustainability, growth and success for the long run.
“We urge the residents of the Eastern Cape to join us in rallying behind the Kings so that we can help build a strong rugby base in our region.”
Dotwana said a new dawn beckoned for rugby in the province.
“We want to build a professional and competitive team for the long run,” he said. “Our long-term ambition is to achieve incremental growth which, ultimately, will result in the Isuzu Southern Kings winning the PRO14 Championship.
“By creating an academy and team here, we want to retain the Eastern Cape’s talent.
“This is the home of black rugby. Our team will promote social cohesion in South African rugby.”
The consortium has entered into discussions with Nelson Mandela University with regard to reviving the rugby academy.
Kings chief operating officer Charl Crous said the new moves would enable the franchise to grow and thrive.
“This places the franchise in a position it has never been before.
“We now have a long-term commitment from a sponsor and are able, for the first time, to plan and build a sustainable franchise for the long run,” Crous said.
Mayor Athol Trollip said he wanted the Bay to be the country’s sporting destination of choice.
“Rugby is a critical part of that, which is why we need strong clubs and unions that nurture, retain and promote local talent.”