30 SECONDS with Lions co-owner Robert Gumede

What was your first rugby experience?

WHAT was your first rugby experience?

The 1995 World Cup final. I was probably one of the few black guys in the stadium. It was a proudly South African thing. When I got outside, I thought black people were toyi-toying on the streets, but they were celebrating.

The game looks a bit confusing at first, doesn't it?

At the time I owned Dangerous Darkies, so I didn't understand the rules. But from the vibe at the stadium I could tell when a "goal" was scored. I understood Joel Stransky's last goal-kick (drop-goal) because it went between the posts.

What's your favourite aspect of rugby?

The tries. My son, Simphiwe, is a big rugby fan and he was a big, strong winger at St John's College. He also played for one of the Lions' junior teams.

Why did you choose to invest in the Lions with the Pumas on your doorstep?

I had to decide as an investor which teams had a brand with which I didn't have to do a lot of work. That's what you look for in business. While my heart is with the Pumas, I believed the Lions were more of a challenge for me.

Your calling card with your partner Ivor Ichikowitz has been transforming the Lions. What is it you want to rectify about ruby transformation?

At Craven Week and the schools festivals you'll see we're producing a lot of players and that some of the best players are black. These are the same places where the (Pat) Lambies are coming from, but what happens to the black kids? Q uotas did make people aware of the need for black players to be part of the rugby set up, but we focused too much on that aspect and not on development at schools.

You were present at the negotiations with Lionel Mapoe and Beast Mtawarira. Was the thinking to impress them with your presence?

It wasn't really to impress them. The reason we focus on signing the best black players is to demonstrate there is black talent and that, given the opportunity, it can be the best in the world.