Durban - Another former Sharks captain - Gary Teichmann - has been officially named as chief executive of the rugby franchise.
Teichmann, who was officially named as John Smit’s replacement on Wednesday, said he was determined to improve the team and that keeping and attracting winning players was on his must-do list.
The Teichmann Plant and Civils director, and much loved player in his day, brings a wealth of business acumen as well as a recognisable and personable face.
He joins the Sharks at a time when there has been adverse speculation about their finances, but chairman of the board, Stephen Saad, was at pains to state that under Smit the Sharks’s finances were on the up, rather than on a decline.
Teichmann, like Smit also a former Springbok captain, admitted he would be charting new waters in taking the job, saying that construction and rugby were two very different businesses.
But he said the move was all about improving the team - and had nothing to do with picking up another salary.
“At work (Teichmann Plant and Civils), I am in the right space and I have decent guys to run that business,” Teichman said at his unveiling at King’s Park.
“Having chatted with Stephen (Saad), Terry (Rosenberg), Graham (MacKenzie, KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union president) and SuperSport, I believe there is a vision I want to be part of.”
Part of that vision is likely to be centred on keeping players at the Sharks, and in South Africa, as well as making the franchise attractive for aspirant players.
Much like Smit, who had a number of pressing matters to tackle on his arrival in 2013, Teichmann admitted there were issues to resolve before getting on with a new vision at the Sharks.
“John had to solves issues when he came in, and I think he did well,” Teichmann said.
“Once we deal with our challenges, and they are solved, we will take it from there. I think it is a difficult business, but we have to do whatever we can to keep players here, and make them want to play for South Africa.”
Teichmann said the Sharks had received a bit of a reprieve financially when it was confirmed by Saad that SuperSport had helped recapitalise the company with a R40-million injection.
In a meeting on Monday, the KZNRFU agreed to sell 9% of its share in the Sharks to Super Sport, making them 49% stakeholders.
There was strong support from the chairman of the board, as well as the outgoing chief executive, for Teichmann’s appointment. Saad said, Teichmann stood out in their selection process, ticking all of the required boxes.
Smit said he had had a tough three weeks leading up to today’s announcement, but his mind was at ease once it was confirmed Teichmann would be the man replacing him.
“Announcing my retirement was hard, not knowing who came next, but it is great sitting here next to Gary,” said Smit.
“These three weeks have been hard though, with the speculation, but we have got through a lot and moved forward, and it will continue with Gary at the helm.”
Daily News