Rugby club faces financial red card

THE 95th AGM of the Empangeni Rugby Football Club last night was fraught with anxiety over its very existence.

This as the Club’s members converged to discuss the financial crisis facing the town’s most significant sporting facility and to elect the incoming 2016 committee.

But the issue of the R135 000 debt (excluding overdraft amounts owing) was almost overshadowed by tensions during the committee voting process, when, after the election of Simon Harvey as incoming President, two committee members stood down owing to ‘internal politics’.

Despite the rocky start to his Presidency, Harvey gave assurance the Club has a plan in hand.

‘This plan includes monthly debit order forms for friends of the club, which will ease the burden of the monthly running costs and hopefully end the monthly shortfalls.

‘On top of this, our committee will be moving full steam ahead to ensure a host of various fund-raising activities to boost the Club’s coffers,’ he said.

‘It has not been an easy year for the club. We have had financial difficulties for seven years, but have always found a way to get by.

‘We have had no major sponsor for the past two years, which adds to the financial stress.

‘But just like a boxer who takes knocks and gets back up, so will we,’ said outgoing president Dagwood van Vuuren.

Financial decline

The Club’s major sponsor – Thanda Private Game Reserve – withdrew their financial support in 2013.

Coupled with this, the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union reduced their financial subsidy to the Club at the same time.

The 2016 Committee, once it has settled into position and filled the empty seats – has a major task at hand.

Assistance

Parties interested in financially supporting the Club are invited to contact Warren Graff on 083 2528393.

Committee for 2016

President – Simon Harvey

Vice President – Clive Kelly

Chairman – James McIlrath

Vice Chairman – VACANT SEAT

Club captain – VACANT SEAT

Honorary Secretary – Kathy Sparnon

Treasurer – VACANT SEAT

Match Secretary – VACANT SEAT

Honorary Vice Presidents – DL Addison, BL Botes, SF De Villiers, MF Harrison, CR Kelly, H Moore, D.J Pringle, PJ Ronald, D Van Vuuren, PM Addison, D Clark, CJ Edwards, TOB Hillestad, KW McIlrath, R Perini, CW Ridi and E Smith