South African Rugby Union (Saru) president Mark Alexander has defended Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, saying the entire controversy surrounding his comments on transformation was making “a mountain out of a molehill”.
Alexander defended Saru’s transformation policy as well and reiterated his view that there “are no quota players” in the Springbok team, in an interview in Rapport.
He says: “Siya said something in his private capacity and people need to look at what he said in totality. People listened to a small part and made up their minds.”
Kolisi made the comments to a Japanese newspaper when he said former president Nelson Mandela would not have supported a quota system, and that he didn’t want to be chosen because of the colour of his skin.
This provoked a massive backlash on social media and in newspaper columns as fans and pundits disagreed with him.
“Saru doesn’t have quotas,” Alexander added. “We are working towards transformation targets that are important for the survival of South African rugby.
ON THE DEFENCE: Saru president Mark Alexander. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
“We have a shrinking white and coloured population, and if we want to be relevant in 2030, we must embrace transformation.”
Alexander said there is not one player currently in the Bok team who was selected because he is a quota player.
He adds: “There is not one player in the Springbok team because he is black.
“Everyone deserves to be there, and have proved themselves over and over again. Just look who scores the tries.”