Eastern Province Elephants head coach Peter de Villiers said in an interview that the uncertainties surrounding the SARU competitions make it difficult to do planning regarding players and contracts.
De Villiers said to netwerk24.com that they are currently busy with the offering of contracts to their announced squad. However, they can only offer short term contracts due to uncertainties.
De Villiers said their possible participation in the "Franchise Cup" and if they will compete in the Currie Cup Premier or First League will have a major influence on the amount of money they can expect from SARU.
Schalk Ferreira who was named in the 40 man squad that de Villiers announced in January has already committed to the Toyota Cheetahs due to the uncertainties at the Elephants.
The group are mostly made up from local club players with a few known names in between. Locals claim that they will struggle up front which makes the loss of Schalk Ferreira vital. Their backline will surprise many was the opinion.
Squad Announced 18 January 2021:
Forwards: Schalk Ferreira - Kings, Luphumlo Pummies Mguca- Motherwell, Emile Claasen - Progress, Lyle Lombaard - PE Police, Siya Nzuzo - Raiders, Wiaan Wolmeraans - PE Police, Sithembiso Befile - Progress, Robin Stevens - Parks, Mbeko Kota - African Bombers, Ronald Scheckle - PE Police, Mncedisi Dlwengu - Gardens, Ashley Viviers - Parks, Arnold Kleyn - Progress, Anele Lungisa - Star of Hope, Athenkosi Manenze - WSU, Bevin Prinsloo - NMU, Luigi Van Jaarsveld - Evergreens, Diego Williams - Trying Stars, Ntsika Fisanti - Star of Hope, Zingisa April -African Bombers, Temba Boltina - NMU.
Backs: Ethan Jantjies - PE Harlequins, Sachin Toring - Progress, Richman Gora - Parks, Wian Van Der Sandt - Free Agent, Josh Alderman - Kings, Luvo Claasen - NMU, Chris Hollis - KIngs, Lennox Holster - Evergreens, Sherwin Slater - Harlequins, Josiah Twum-Boafo - Kings, Riaan Arendse - Progress, Siya Moabi -Parks, Qeutyne Oerson - Harlequins, Xolela Payi - African Bombers, Thabang Holejane - African Bombers, Davian Swanepoel - Progress, Keanu Vers - NMU, Courtney Winnaar - Kings, Innocent Inny Radebe - Free Agent.