Anxious Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids lies awake at night and is riding an emotional roller-coaster ahead of his team’s opening PRO14 match against Zebre on September 1, he said.
A lack of player resources has made it difficult for the Kings to prepare before they fly to Parma in Italy on August 27 for their opener at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.
Player recruitment at the Kings has stalled because of protracted sponsorship talks and this has left Davids with 27 players to work with in preseason training.
Of that skeleton squad, 10 are busy with rehabilitation and some have niggles.
“I lie awake at night and my emotions are giving me a roller-coaster ride,” Davids said.
“A huge challenge is waiting for the team, especially in the first few weeks of the competition.”
Asked about moves behind the scenes regarding sponsorship, Davids said: “People should see the big picture. Such things will mean a great deal for the Kings and the region.
“People should remember, however, that time is catching up on us regarding our preparation for the new campaign.”
Davids said his squad remained positive about their prospects for the new season.
“The guys who are here have worked really hard and they are unbelievably positive.
“I have been working with 27 players, of whom 10 are busy with rehabilitation or have niggles.
“That makes it very difficult to play warm-up games. There are plans for next week, but they will be finalised later.
“I cannot risk my fit players in a warm-up game. If someone gets injured, we may not have a replacement.
“Naturally, things are better than they were last season, when we did not have a preseason with the nucleus of our squad.
“But it is definitely not ideal. “Because of our numbers, we have not been able to have contact sessions or matches.
“We are also short of a forwards coach.”
Asked about the recruitment of further players, Davids said: “Naturally, there are more players on their way.
“The problem is that when they arrive their fitness needs to be tested and they have to get used to our structures.
“Some new players might out of necessity have to tour overseas with us. We are leaving for Italy on August 27.”
Top-level talks are under way between the Kings and a sponsor which could give the ailing franchise a late shot in the arm.
“In conjunction with SA Rugby, we are busy with sensitive negotiations with a sponsor. Because of this it is difficult to contract more players,” Kings chief operating officer Charl Crous said last month.
“It is a process we have to work through, and while it is frustrating at certain levels, it has long-term benefits for the franchise.”