FOLLOWING a rocky few months, the Golden Lions appear to be on the road to stability.
Not only have they acquired a new equity partner in businessman Altmann Allers, the Lions are also attracting a fair bit of attention from potential sponsors, the latest being Redefine Properties Limited, who on Thursday announced they would pump millions of rands into the union.
On top of this, it is believed corporate suites at Coca-Cola Park are selling like hot cakes and are close to being fully occupied ahead of the 2012 Super Rugby season, which kicks off in two weeks time.
It is a far cry from where the Lions were a little over six months ago when their potential partnership with the Guma-TAC group turned sour.
While the Lions are still facing possible legal action by former businessmen Robert Gumede and Ivor Ichikowitz, who claim the Lions owe them millions of rands after the equity deal went belly-up, Lions president Kevin de Klerk says the union will soon be out of financial strife. “It’s safe to say we’re no longer in turmoil,” said De Klerk. “There are matters out there that still need to be resolved, but we’re working on those.”
He added the multi-million rand investment over three years by Redefine was proof the Lions are on the up. “We thank them for showing confidence and faith in us ... they share our vision,” said De Klerk. “They’ve also seen what we’re capable of achieving ... from being last on the Super 14 log two years ago we won the Currie Cup last season.”
Indeed, Chief Operating Officer of Redefine, David Rice, said: “The opportunity to partner with the MTN Lions was one we felt we just could not let pass. Their performance last year was exemplary and we are excited they will go from strength to strength this year and provide us with an ideal platform to build our brand. We look forward to an exhilarating 2012 series.”
Acting Lions CEO Rueben Moggee simply said: “A company as big as Redefine certainly wouldn’t come on board if the Lions were in as much trouble as some say.”
Meanwhile, coach John Mitchell said he was happy with his side’s preparations at this stage of the season, 15 days before the Lions kick off their Super Rugby campaign against the Cheetahs.
“The rain’s frustrating us a bit, but otherwise we’re good. We’re building some good depth in the squad which is always important and there will be some good competition for places this year.”
Mitchell will name his line-up on Monday for the match against the EP Kings, to be played in George on Tuesday. – The Star