Podcaster Penuel Mlotshwa has questioned the racial composition of the Springboks squad under coach Rassie Erasmus.
This follows criticism by rugby fans over the latest team photo, featuring two black players.
The outspoken media personality shared his polarising views on his X account.
PENUEL MLOTSHWA QUESTIONS RACE IN SPRINGBOKS
In a tweet, Penuel Mlotshwa shared his opinions about the race debate about the Springboks.
He posted: “I have a suspicious feeling that Willie le Roux isn’t injured. And that Rassie & co felt a bit of pressure seeing that there was only ONE Black player in the Bok squad, so they called up [Aphelele] Fassi (the best 15 in SA)”.
He added: “Are the best Black players being kept out of the Boks?”.
Penuel – who played schoolboy rugby – went on to list “black players that many have said should be in the Springbok squad but didn’t make it, for some or other reason”.
They included: Sanele Nohamba, Hacjivah Dayimani, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Phepsi Buthelezi, Celimpilo Gumede, Jurenzo Julius, Lukhanyo Am, and Makazole Mapimpi.
Defending coach Rasssie Erasmus, Penuel added: “I think he’s been the most fair and pro-transformation coach we’ve had in a while. It’s just his recent squads that look suspect.
“Especially because there are Black players who are tops, on merit.”
WHAT HAPPENED TO WILLIE LE ROUX?
According to Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick – who stepped in for Rassie Erasmus during the team photo – Willie Le Roux withdrew from the squad due to an injury “niggle”.
Aphelele Fassi will take his place.
Stick said during a media conference, “I must give credit to Willie for being honest with us. He didn’t feel 100 per cent comfortable to go full out for 80 minutes, and with a 6-2 bench split, it would have been a big risk
“That shows the character of who he is and how much he respects the team. It’s a big loss. Willie is an experienced player, and it would have been nice to see him on the field. But we’re looking forward to seeing what Aphelele Fassi can do.”
DO YOU AGREE WITH PENUEL MLOTSHWA’S VIEWS ON THE SPRINGBOKS?
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