LIONS SIGN RISING STAR LIONEL MAPOE

JOHANNESBURG – The Golden Lions are proud to announce the signing of Springbok Sevens star Lionel “Speed” Mapoe. The exciting 22-year-old flyer will play in the red and white next season following a transfer agreement that was concluded this week with the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd.
“It is a major coup for us getting a thrilling young player of Lionel’s calibre into our squad. When we decided to invest in the resurgence of the Lions, we made a commitment to enhance our young team with Springbok quality players,” new Golden Lions Rugby Union shareholder Robert Gumede said.
Mapoe hasn’t been playing rugby since May because of a contractual dispute between the Free State Cheetahs and the KwaZulu-Natal-based Sharks. Despite the fact that the Arbitrator ruled, which ruling was by agreement not appealable, that the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd has a valid and binding contract with Mapoe and the Honourable Madam Justice Cornè van Zyl issued an Order in the Free State High Court at Bloemfontein, that Mapoe must report for service at the business place of the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd at Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein.
“We are relieved that Lionel will finally be back on the rugby field,” said Free State Rugby Union president Harold Verster. “When we were approached by the Lions we saw this as an opportunity to bring closure to this matter. We have concluded a proper transfer agreement between the Cheetahs and the Golden Lions with payment of a transfer fee to Cheetahs. We wish Lionel well and we are sure this solution will be to the benefit of all parties involved. We were happy with the professional manner in which the Golden Lion’s Robert and Ivor handled the negotiations”
Golden Lions Rugby Union President Kevin De Klerk said Mapoe will join the Lions with immediate effect. “Lionel will form an integral part of our squad that is being built under our coach John Mitchell,” he said. “We want to pick up next season on the high we ended this season with, with the Golden Lions surprising fans and foes alike with our constructive and winning rugby. I can’t wait to see Lionel in the Lions Den – I know he will fit in perfectly in the Lions’ style of attacking rugby. We are committed to help Lionel fulfil his amazing potential.”

Cheetahs released Mapoe to the Lions
Bloemfontein

Free State Cheetahs confirm that the dispute with Lionel Mapoe regarding his contract with the Cheetahs, has been settled and they have agreed to release Mapoe to the Golden Lions. This despite the fact that the Arbitrator ruled, which ruling was by agreement not appealable, that the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd has a valid and binding contract with Mapoe, and the Honourable Madam Justice Cornè van Zyl issued an Order in the Free State High Court at Bloemfontein, that Mapoe must report for service at the business place of the Free State Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd at Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein.

Mr Harold Verster, the President of the Free State Rugby Union, stated that:- “We are relieved that Lionel will finally be back on the rugby field. When we were approached by the Golden Lions we saw this as an opportunity to bring closure to this matter. We have concluded a proper transfer agreement between the Cheetahs and the Golden Lions with payment of a substantial transfer fee to Cheetahs.

We are happy with the professional manner in which the negotiations with the Golden Lions were finalised.

Although Cheetahs are sad to loose the services of a talented player like Lionel Mapoe, who was developed by Free State from Primary School level to becoming a Springbok Sevens star and a strong contender for Springbok Colours, we wish Lionel well and are sure the agreement arrived at will be to the benefit of all parties concerned.

We wish Lionel Mapoe everything of the best in his future career.

We as Cheetahs are unaccustomed to being involved in Court Cases involving rugby issues and are indeed happy that this matter has finally been laid to rest.”

Combined statement released by Free State Cheetahs (pty) Ltd and the Golden Lions Rugby Union