In a remarkable turn of events, George Malgas could make a dramatic comeback and be elected as permanent president of the EP Rugby Union only weeks after he was toppled in a palace revolution.
In what is turning into a game of musical chairs, EP Rugby could its elect fourth president in a matter of months when the unsettled union holds a special general meeting on March 23.
Adding a layer of added intrigue to the upcoming election is widespread speculation that a successful businessman with strong links to EP and SA Rugby is considering putting his name into the hat.
An insider said: “If this individual decides to run for the presidency it will be a game changer for the union.
“He is well respected within the game and has the clout and private money needed to make things happen.
“I do not think he will put his head over the edge of the parapet until he is confident he enjoys enough support on the ground to scoop the big prize.”
It is believed the high-flying businessman is busy canvassing various sub-unions to gauge support before he enters an election battle.
Malgas’s place in the hot seat as acting EP president was taken by Gerald Antonie, who insiders say will not stand for the presidency at the special general meeting.
Since the suspension of Maasdorp Cannon in 2023, Malgas and Gerald Antonie have led EP as the union seeks stability.
At the special general meeting, clubs will vote for a permanent president, deputy president and chairperson of coaching and development.
It is understood that if Malgas stands, then executive member Mubulelo Gidane will stand for the post of deputy president on the same ticket.
Malgas always felt he had the constitutional right to lead the union, but he was overruled by SA Rugby and voted out of power.
It is expected Malgas will canvas among clubs for support in what is expected to be a bitter battle for the top job.
It is not known whether EP’s acting deputy president Roger Serfontein has any presidential ambitions and he is likely to reveal his intentions in the coming weeks.
Serfontein is also expected to seek guidance from the sub-unions as to whether he should make a bid for a permanent position.
Earlier in February, SA Rugby visited Gqeberha to intervene in a debilitating power struggle among feuding executive members.
Saru’s deputy president Francois Davids and legal and compliance head Chantal du Pisani travelled to Gqeberha to mediate in the dispute.
This resulted in a new leadership team being elected to take the troubled union forward after unhappiness among executive members who described themselves as outcasts.
Under acting president Antonie and acting deputy president Serfontein, the executive discussed a wide range of pressing issues.
The EPRU leadership up until the special general meeting is: Antonie (acting president), Serfontein (acting deputy president), Malgas (vice-president), Freddie Makoki (provincial affairs), Phillip Joseph (club affairs), Benjamin Bans (coaching and development), Simon Bernadus (Karoo sub-union), Vuyani Persent (Koukamma), Wilton de Beer (Midlands), Edward Booysen (Gqeberha), Deon Hilpert (Sedru), Pieter Tee (Kariega), Fernando Uithaler (EP Referees), Tony de Laura (EP Primary Schools), Clinton Plaatjies (Women’s Rugby). Co-opted members: Michelle du Toit, Tania Vermaak. Sharon Brown (acting general manager).
Rugby fans will be hoping the outcome of the election at the special general meeting brings much-needed stability so that EP can grow its structures.
EP’s Elephants kick off their SA Cup campaign on March 27, and hopefully there will be a united executive team supporting them from the stands.
HeraldLIVE
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