Steve Haag Gallo Images
Sharks chief executive John Smit is dealing with the fallout of his decision to axe John Plumtree. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
Durban – The fickleness of Sharks rugby fans has emerged as they have turned on their former blue-eyed boy John Smit, calling him a “back stabber” for axing coach John Plumtree – and that was one of the more polite references.
On the Sharks’ Facebook page some predicted that Smit, new Sharks chief executive, would be the “death of Sharks’ rugby” while others called for the former Springbok captain to be booed at Saturday’s game.
The Smit-Plumtree saga is the latest controversy to plague the Sharks after the murder of a British national at the stadium, and later an uproar over liquor licences and illegal drinking.
The comments came as Smit was given the Ingwazi Award for his role in the upliftment and promotion of KwaZulu-Natal.
He declined to comment on the Plumtree issue, but said he was pleased to see the public taking an interest in the issue.
“It shows they are passionate. That passion makes our jobs possible and I would not want to take it away,” he said.
Smit said he had previously encountered his fair share of criticism and that he had developed a thick skin. “When you take up a position like chief executive you know you are going to be held accountable for your decisions.”
Nevertheless,
the imminent departure of Plumtree from the Sharks has not been taken well by many fans who said the coach had been treated disrespectfully.
Responding to the Sharks’ statement on their Facebook page announcing the news, supporter Shaun Baird said it was sad to see a stalwart go.
“Plumtree was black and white through and through. He bled black and white. Hope we find someone with half the passion he had for the Sharks. All the best boet.”
Even fans who agreed that a new coach was needed did not approve of the way it was done, calling it “messy” and “unprofessional”.
Brendin Pillay said while it was understandable that many fans wanted Plumtree to leave after a dismal season, it was difficult for any coach to lead a team that had so many of its first-choice players out injured. The way Plumtree was axed was “disgraceful”.
Some supporters were less tactful, calling Smit names too rude for publication.
“John Smit is a back-stabber and should get booed on Saturday if he has the balls to come on the field,” said Donovan Dales. Pieter and Ronel Conradie added that anyone who wanted loyalty should rather buy a dog.
Nakampe Mampeule, cited a “personal vendetta”. In response to an announcement that assistant coaches Grant Bashford and Hugh Reece-Edwards would assume the coaching duties for the remaining three Super 15 Rugby matches, some supporters felt that if Plumtree was fired then they should be too.
But many diehard fans are desperate for all the “politics” to be put aside so the Sharks can try to regain some pride on the field.
George Laas, the chairman of the Sharks Supporters’ Club, said the team and supporters should forget about what was happening off the field. He believed the players would take to the field on Saturday and “do it for Plum”. He said the team would be supported through thick and thin because “we are Natalians, we are the Sharks”.
Some supporters did, however, applaud Smit’s “clean slate” decision to bring in a new coach and called on others to give him a chance before judging his performance as the new chief executive.
l At the awards ceremony in uMhlanga, where Smit was the guest of honour last night, he said it was “humbling” to be recognised for his role in promoting the province.
The Land of Legends Association, which bestows the Ingwazi Award, is made up of seven top boutique hotels. Previous recipients have included conservationists Ian Player and Lawrence Anthony and Premier Zweli Mkhize. – The Mercury
