The Lions announced late yesterday that their long-serving Chief Executive, Manie Reyneke, has tendered his resignation and will step down at the end of the month.
Reyneke, who has been involved in Lions rugby in one way or another ever since making his début as a player back in the mid-70s, was appointed as CEO back in 2007 and during his tenure has overseen possibly the most shambolic period in the union’s long history. Myriad on-field failings, coupled with gross financial mismanagement that has seen the union teetering on the brink of bankruptcy for some years now have been the Lions’ lot under Reyneke and while no reasons have been given for his resignation, one only has to look at his track record to realise that he should probably have left years ago.
While the Lions have recently started to perform better on the field, thanks in no small part to the amazing work of coach John Mitchell, the backroom shenanigans have persisted, with their multi-bazillionaire backers, Robert Gumede and Ivor Ichikowitz, recently walking away from the Union, claiming they were impossible to work with.
The Lions have started the process of appointing a new CEO, with Ruben Moggee assuming the role in an interim capacity. Meanwhile, Reyneke is said to have “numerous options” when it comes to his own future; for the sake of the greater good of the game, let’s hope none of those involve rugby administration in any way, shape or form.
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Not sure if Robert Gumede and Ivor Ichikowitz ever had good intentions.
Can’t go about spending your own money anyway you like, and then ask for it back from the union.
I don’t buy my co-workers lunch, and then ask them to pay up for example…
Die wiel draai, al is dit partykeer bietjie stadig…
Watch that door, we don’t want it hitting you on the arse.
@walter van Lions World (Comment 2) : you must be elated at this news, Walter… it took a long time, but you outlasted the clown!
@KSA Shark © (Comment 3) : you reckon the oke has the skills to open a door on his own? I’d be surprised 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 4) : I knew he wouldn’t last for ever and frankly, it happened sooner than I expected.
@robdylan (Comment 5) : It’s the guy closing it behind him who I’m worried about. I hope he shuts it firmly.
@walter van Lions World (Comment 6) : So you have your media accreditation application ready to be sent? 🙂
So now we hope he doesnt get replaced by an even bigger clown …
some more background here, admittedly from a dodgy source. Sounds like Glasfit has bought shares in the Lions and has insisted on Reyneke being dumped…
@KSA Shark © (Comment 8) : He leaves at the end of the month, so I will apply for 2012…LOL!
@robdylan (Comment 10) : It’s in the volksblad…but I don’t think it’s glasfit, it’s the Chairman of glasfit that bought a stake in the Lions in his personal capacity
@robdylan (Comment 10) : Maybe they requested transparency in the union and Reyneke wouldn’t oblige. 😛
@walter van Lions World (Comment 12) : oh is it? Cool.
So we won’t have to endure the Glasfit MTN Golden Lions or something equally naff? 🙂
@KSA Shark © (Comment 13) : you clearly woke up VERY early this morning 🙂
I know what you’re trying to do, though… I can see through you.
@robdylan (Comment 15) : 😆
Apparently the Lions also have NEW new equity partners …
@robdylan (Comment 15) : WOAH!!!
ok bye bye now !