By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Springbok Flyhalf Elton Janjies has released a statement addressing the allegations he is currently facing, which resulted in his sudden exit from the team camp in Buenos Aires earlier this week.
In a statement released on Friday, Jantjies said he “apologised unreservedly to everybody I hurt or disappointed, my teammates, the Springbok management team, and SA Rugby.”
“As a Springbok rugby player, I am a public figure, a role model and hero to many South Africans, and I am expected to adhere to a high standard of moral values.
“My intention was always to make myself, my family, and my fans proud, not only through my performances on the field of play but also through my behaviour in public.”
He added he let himself, his family and rugby loving fans of the country down and deeply regretted his actions.
“I did not do the Springbok jersey – a jersey that I revered since I was just a little boy – proud.”
Jantjies said he would take full responsibility for his actions, wanted to restore the confidence of those closest to him, and win back the trust of the public.
“I do not want to say much about the newspaper article, except that it contains many untruths and half-truths,” said Jantjies.
For the record: The Springboks dietician Zeenat Simjee was never with me at either of the two guest houses that I stayed at. She is a good professional, and good family friend and nothing more. That her good name is now being dragged through the mud is unfair and shameful
“It is my priority to now concentrate on getting professional career back on track and wish to do so with privacy.”
Over the weekend, SA Rugby said in a statement it had sent Jantjies and Simjee home to “attend to these personal reports and to eliminate any distractions to the team’s preparations for the Test against Argentina”.
Meanwhile, Simjee said the reports were untrue and she has asked for an apology.
“I am the subject of some extremely negative media reports over the last week, tarnishing me personally and degrading my dignity,” Simjee said in a statement.
“I appreciate the support of my fellow Springbok management team members who concurred with my choice to return home to work through this with the support of my family and relevant professionals.
“I chose to maintain a dignified silence while the media storm was raging, as I am severely traumatised by what has transpired.