Get Newsletter

WP: 'The Titanic has hit an iceberg'

SPOTLIGHT: With doggedness of a pit bull, Marco V Masotti is forging ahead to get a deal across the line that will provide Western Province with the lifeboats they need.

ADVERTISEMENT

Masotti, a Durban-born, New York-based lawyer, through his consortium, MVM Holdings, is in negotiations with the Western Province Rugby Football Union for a controlling share in WP Professional Rugby (Pty) Ltd, the business arm of the WPRFU.

However, the horse-trading is not moving as fast as it should be and – depending on which grapevine your information is from – there could be deliberate efforts from within the WPRFU coterie to sabotage the talks and further individual agendas.

Masotti admitted that the talks are at a crucial juncture, but said there is no specific deadline for it to be concluded.

“I would like to get the deal done as quickly as possible,” he told @rugby365com, adding: “There is a lot of work to do.

“The players and clubs really need it [the agreement] to happen.”

Rugby365 interviews · Marco V Masotti Chats To Jan De Koning

He dismissed suggestions that he is about to walk away, despite the obstacles they have encountered and the ongoing boardroom perfidy.

ADVERTISEMENT

WPRFU President Zelt Marais has even gone public with his claim that there were ‘treasonous acts’ within the union – describing them as “disgraceful” and “unbecoming” of leaders.

“While we want it done quickly, we are committed to getting it done,” Masotti said.

“We are not going anywhere. We have no choice.

“The players, the clubs and the community absolutely must have it.”

ADVERTISEMENT

He admitted the union is in a precarious financial position.

“The Titanic has hit an iceberg,” he said, adding: “We urgently need to get them lifeboats.

“We need to communicate our plans so that everyone joins in.”

Masotti said the contracting of key players is an important aspect of the negotiations.

“The players are the assets of the business.”

@king365ed
@rugby365com

Also worth reading …

The key battleground in WP saga
The ‘smarts and savvy’ that WPRFU needs?
Wading through the ‘political mire’ in WP Rugby
The rugby expertise Rasool brings to WP
‘Treasonous acts’ within WP Rugby
Full private equity: ‘The conversation SA must have’

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Write A Comment