Cheeky still a firm favourite
Eastern Province affiliated clubs from as far afield as Graaff Reinet and Cradock have sent a clear message of support for the current executive ahead of the elections.
With 109 of the 118 affiliated clubs submitting nominations ahead of the elections, the overwhelming majority of nominations indicated support for current incumbent Cheeky Watson and his executive.
“Nominations are a vital part of the election process, with each club given the opportunity to nominate who they want to stand on the executive, no later than seven days prior to the election,” said PE Metro sub union president, Stag Mitchell.
According to the EPRU constitution, potential candidates require a minimum of three independent nominations in order to be considered for the position, and be eligible to stand in the election at the union’s Annual General Meeting.
Each club had until last week Friday to submit their nominations in sealed envelopes. These were then opened and tallied in an open forum attended by nominees, other interested parties and overseen by an independent auditor.
The preliminary tally revealed that, of the 109 nomination forms submitted, the current executive received 103 nominations, with the candidates from the EP Rugby Transformation Movement receiving just six nominations.
“Through these nominations, the clubs have given a clear indication that they are looking for stability in the union,” said Midlands sub-union President, Xolisa Samsam.
“This does not override the elections, the vote must still take place, these nominations merely give us a good indication of which way the election will go,” said Samsam.
The candidates that will stand for the various executive positions at the AGM are:
President:
Cheeky Watson (99 nominations)
Eben Coltman (6 nominations)
Deputy President:
Philip Joseph (98 nominations)
Bantwini Matika (6 nominations)
Vice-president:
Freddie Makoki (98 nominations)
Willie Blunden (6 nominations)
Finance and Marketing:
Shelly Ann Baatjies (97 nominations)
Gillian le Grange (7 nominations)
Coaching and Development:
Denver Wannies (99 nominations)
Maasdorp Cannon (6 nominations)
Enquiries:
George Malgas (98 nominations)
Zolile Ngqeza (6 nominations)
Facilities:
Charles Kleinbooi (98 nominations)
Marius Gysman (6 nominations)
Anele Pamba ( 1 nomination – did not qualify)
The candidates that qualified following the nomination process will now stand for election at the AGM on Saturday, November 29.
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