Mutenheri spits fire on BRU after suspension
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday September 5, 2017 14:34
The manager was suspended for granting Mmegi sister publication, The Monitor an interview after a match between Jaguars and BDF Cheetahs was called off due to violence.
The suspension could see the manager not being along the touchline until the Super League final. Speaking in an interview over the weekend, the disappointed Mutenheri said the decision was not well thought out. He argued that the decision was not based on facts.
“Non of those sitting on the Tribunal were witnesses. To make things worse, nobody from the date in question, when the incident happened, made a report on me or made citation. I was never called to present my own complaint. The decision was made in my absence,” he said.
Mutenheri said when he made his own report to the BRU, it took long to be attended to until his club chairperson intervened for it to be convened. “My side of the story was never heard and while I am away on work commitment, they make a judgement which is preposterous. The judgement is not in the interest of rugby. I view it as a punitive committee rather than a Disciplinary Committee (DC) bent on encouraging rugby,” he said.
Mutenheri said if he is suspended for talking to the media then they should point out what bad things he had said about the BRU. He stated that he had always been a supporter of the Union.
“I do not want to blame the Union here, but individuals who probably have hidden agendas. But for me I am making milestones decisions on my rugby future. I cannot be part of kitchen decisions that have no basis at law,” he hissed.
Mutenheri said the DC could have been more of an arbitrator than a judge and the worst thing being that people who were not close to the issues make judgements. He suggested that they could have been a go betweens because the league has reached a crucial stage. Mutenheri said he is going to make an announcement regarding Jaguars stay in the Super League.
Cheetahs manager, Modesto Madzambi has also received a two weeks ban. Contacted for comment, Madzambi said he was not in a position to comment on the DC’s decision. He said the matter has been dealt with and both parties should unite for the benefit of rugby.
“BRU has reprimanded us because they realised that this was not a one sided incident,” he said.
Meanwhile, BRU secretary general, Ernest Mantsi said the DC did their job and investigations were properly done. He said the verdict was reached and relevant individuals have been found guilty.
“We cannot condone such behaviour in our sport. The judgement was done with interest of rugby at heart. The concerned individuals have been informed of the ruling,” Mantsi said. Some of the suspended players from Cheetahs and Jaguars: Tafa Ncube, Kagiso Ditsebe, Kenneth Motlhabane, Lovemore Jimson, Dent Patrick, Letlhogonolo Lesaomake and Thabang Moepi.