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Brenden Nel - SuperSport
Johannesburg - The tug-of-war between the Sharks and Lions over Springbok loosehead prop Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira will be decided by the player himself, and not either union.
That’s the view of Golden Lions CEO Manie Reyneke, who on Tuesday said his union had still not given up on signing the player, despite the Sharks insistence that he will be staying in Durban.
While the dispute is very similar to last year’s fight over Louis Ludik and Willem Alberts, the Sharks announced last week that Mtawarira will be staying in Durban, a move which according to the Lions is a bit premature.
“It's all in Beast’s court now,” Reyneke said, “We have made him an offer which is valid and the Sharks have done the same. The final decision rests with him as to where he goes.”
Mtawarira will have to make the decision soon, but is said to be good friends with the Lions investment partner Robert Gumede, which will play a role in his decision.
Lions officials have privately said they will “fight to the end” to get Mtawarira to Johannesburg, especially given the bad blood between themselves and the Sharks over player contracts.
“It is important for the player to be happy wherever he plays,” Reyneke added, hinting that Mtawarira may be happier in Gauteng than at the coast.
Johannesburg - The tug-of-war between the Sharks and Lions over Springbok loosehead prop Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira will be decided by the player himself, and not either union.
That’s the view of Golden Lions CEO Manie Reyneke, who on Tuesday said his union had still not given up on signing the player, despite the Sharks insistence that he will be staying in Durban.
While the dispute is very similar to last year’s fight over Louis Ludik and Willem Alberts, the Sharks announced last week that Mtawarira will be staying in Durban, a move which according to the Lions is a bit premature.
“It's all in Beast’s court now,” Reyneke said, “We have made him an offer which is valid and the Sharks have done the same. The final decision rests with him as to where he goes.”
Mtawarira will have to make the decision soon, but is said to be good friends with the Lions investment partner Robert Gumede, which will play a role in his decision.
Lions officials have privately said they will “fight to the end” to get Mtawarira to Johannesburg, especially given the bad blood between themselves and the Sharks over player contracts.
“It is important for the player to be happy wherever he plays,” Reyneke added, hinting that Mtawarira may be happier in Gauteng than at the coast.
