The playing fields are not level in the SA Cup where cash-flush professional teams are pitted against semi-professional outfits, EP Elephants coach Allister “Toetie” Coetzee says.
On Saturday, EP were beaten 61-22 by a well-funded Pumas outfit who outgunned the Elephants by nine tries to three at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Coetzee said there was no quick fix for getting EP back to where it belonged in top flight rugby.
The Pumas, crowned Currie Cup champions two seasons ago, were overwhelming favourites to emerge with maximum points against EP after thrashing the SWD Eagles 75-7 two weeks ago.
“EP are sitting with a lot of challenges and the playing fields are not level in the SA Cup yet,” Coetzee said.
“I’m using club players and I see the progress in this side since I took over three months ago.
“Our attack is really good and we were unlucky at certain stages against the Pumas.
“EP has been in trouble in the past few years and nothing has been done to make sure there is a growth pathway for talent from club and varsity level within the province.
“That is what I am focusing on.
“I know people are looking for results, but I told the EP board when I took on the job that it is going to be a process and that is what people must realise.
“In any business in this world where you start now do you think there will be a profit in year one. No.
“At the moment I do not have my full squad and one or two guys are coming in to build this project.
“I would love to have a squad of 25 full-time players and that requires money.
“This is a process and it will take two to three years to make sure EP gets into the Currie Cup.
“If it happens earlier all the better.
“The big thing is you cannot compete against full-time franchises working from eight to four compared to waiting for players to come from work at 5pm.
“Then you have to try to stay in the contest against professional teams.
“The board are really supporting me in this and they understand the plan and they realise we can build on that.
“EP need more resources.
“Not just playing wise, but team management wise as well.
“The players really gave their all against the Pumas, but they were just beaten by a better side.
“The big thing is we would like to get that respect back.”
As was the case in their first round loss against the Falcons last week, EP were again on the receiving end of three yellow cards, which made life difficult for the home side.
EP will now go back to the drawing board before a crunch third round clash against the Eagles in George on Saturday.
The top four teams in the SA Cup will be promoted to the Currie Cup Premier Division later in 2025.
Saturday’s SA Cup fixtures:
SWD Eagles v EP Elephants, Border Bulldogs v Griquas, Pumas v Cheetahs, Leopards v Griffons, Falcons v Boland Cavaliers.
The Herald
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