Former Springbok John Smit says measures will be put in place to make sure Kings Park is safe for rugby fans.
|||Durban - Former Springbok captain John Smit has vowed to make the safety of rugby supporters a priority when he takes up his new post as chief executive of the Sharks’ franchise.
This was in an interview with the 2oceansvibe’s website earlier this week.
“We will ensure there will be measures in place to make sure people feel safe,” Smit told the website.
Earlier this month, the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union announced that chief executive Brian van Zyl would retire and that Smit, who captained the Sharks and the Springboks, would take over his position.
News of Van Zyl’s retirement came weeks after UK rugby fan Brett Williams was killed in a brawl at Kings Park stadium.
When questioned about Williams’ death, Smit said this was not the first out-of-field fight.
“The terrible thing is that someone died here. We have to maintain some perspective when someone has lost a life,” he said.
While Smit said the safety of supporters would be paramount, he also said the Sharks would maintain “the vibe around the stadium”.
“The outer fields form a massive part of what the Kings Park vibe is about. Kings Park is one of the most-loved stadiums in the world.”
Smit is set to take up his new post in July. Van Zyl will mentor him until he officially retires next February. - The Mercury